Barry Town United fans haven’t had the best of rides in recent seasons so this one has been fitting so far.
Barry Town United are currently sitting in a very comfortable position in the league and are currently third, but they have four games in hand over second placed Cambrian & Clydach and two points behind and three points off leaders Goytre with two games in hand.
Providing Barry win their games in hand they will go to the top of the Welsh League first division. With a return to the Welsh Premier League on the horizon there is a real optimism around the club. There is a buzz among the fans. They turn up in their numbers these days, and have been getting crowds over 350 on a regular basis.
When Barry were in the second and third divisions they weren’t getting anywhere near that kind of number. What is notable about this particular season is the amount of goals Barry have conceded. In their 14 league games, they’ve conceded just 10 goals and credit where it’s due, Gavin Chesterfield and his coaching staff have done a great job on making Barry more difficult to breakdown this season as that was one of the reasons to why they failed to gain promotion to the Welsh Premier League last season.
Barry’s home form has also been excellent, winning six and drawing one in the league. In fact the only time they’ve lost at home is against Penybont 3-0 in the Cup, ironically they’re the only team they’ve dropped points to in the league as well, proving that Jenner Park is the fortress it once was when Barry were the most successful team in the Welsh leagues in the early 2000s.
Barry also saw a very successful Cup run come to an end on Saturday night against record-breakers TNS, losing 4-0. But the scoreline flattered TNS as Barry had chances of their own, and it could have been a different game had Jordan Cotterill converted his 70th minute chance which agonisingly hit the crossbar.
But, it’s just brilliant to see Barry battling with the big boys again and challenging again. They’re on the verge of something special. The fans have seen their fair share of ups and downs in recent years, and to see Barry where they’re now and the foundations they have in place is fantastic for the club.
The goal now is to gain promotion to the Welsh Premier league, and if they get there to survive. But who knows, next season they could be challenging for Europe. Cardiff MET have done an extremely good job this season, and they’re pushing for a place in Europe so there is no reason why Barry can’t do the same.
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