Match Preview: Barry Town United v TNS

Date and time: Saturday 21st January (17:15)

Venue: Cardiff MET, Cyncoed Campus

Referee: Iwan Griffith

Barry Town United and TNS travel to Cardiff Metropolitan’s Cyncoed Campus to contest the Nathaniel MG Cup final.

Barry Town united and TNS are preparing to contest the Nathaniel MG Cup final this afternoon.

Both teams have had successful seasons, with Barry Town currently second in Welsh League Division One and TNS winning 21 out of their 22 games in the Welsh record, with an almost perfect record.

The New Saints have won all bar one of their games, ironically the game they drew was their last outing, a 3-3 draw with Newtown.  The Dragons, on the other hand, won 3-1 at Monmouth to move up to 2nd in Welsh League Division One and are just six points off leaders Goytre with three games in hand over the leaders.

The New Saints have been in unbelievable form this season, and even beat Johan Cruyff’s record which back dates to 1972 with Ajax in winning 27 games in a row. TNS have won the last two League Cup finals, beating Denbigh Town & Bala Town in recent years. They’re also the most successful team in the Welsh League Cup, winning it an incredible seven times in 21 years, and could make it eight in 22 if they win come Saturday.

Barry on the other hand have reached their first League Cup final since 1994 where they defeated Treowen Stars 4-1. They’re having their most successful spell since being reformed as ‘Barry Town United’ and there is a sense something special is on the horizon for the club.

Team News: 

Both teams should have a fully fit squad for the final.

Gavin Chesterfield could opt to start with James Dixon over TJ Naji after his hat-trick against Monmouth in Barry’s last league outing.

Previous meeting:

The two sides last met at the beginning of last year, in February. Despite making a great start Town lost to TNS as their class shone through.

Check out the highlights.