Major shock as Barry Town United shock The New Saints to win Nathaniel MG Cup – talking points

Two goals from 20-year-old Ieuan Owen helped Barry Town United defeat The New Saints and lift their first Welsh League Cup since 2000, and their first top-division trophy since 2003.

Owen struck twice scoring late in each half as the underdogs earned a thoroughly deserved victory in Bridgend.

Tempers flared in the closing stages, with an altercation resulting in red cards for both Rory Holden and Callum Sainty.

The defeat ensures TNS will likely end the campaign with just one trophy, having already been knocked out of the JD Welsh Cup. They can still secure the league title against Connah’s Quay Nomads on Tuesday, but their hopes of completing the double were ended by Barry’s win.

Man of the Match Owen’s stardom

Owen’s first goal came in the 42nd minute, when Michael George’s flashed cross was spilt by Jack Edwards, and kindly fell to Owen, who reacted sharply and poked the ball into the TNS net. His second finish was a special, dipping strike from just outside the penalty area and sealed the win for Barry in added time.

Barry’s young forward Owen was ever-present in the entire game and really demonstrated his talent and athletic capabilities alongside strike partner Ollie Hulbert.

At the other end, TNS were limited to very few chances throughout the night, their best coming midway through the second half when neat play down their left-hand side saw substitute Danny Davies free in the box, but his rifled cross was unable to be turned in by the on-rushing Jordan Williams.

A major honour for Steve Jenkins

This title for Barry gives manager/director of football Steve Jenkins his first in Welsh football, but Jenkins described this triumph as something for ‘everyone to enjoy.’

Jenkins spoke about the hardship Barry had experienced over the past few months, with the cancer diagnosis of midfielder Eliot Richards and of long-standing chairman Mark Barrett.

This win really highlights just how great a job Steve Jenkins and everyone at Barry Town United are doing, after defeating Connah’s Quay Nomads and Caernarfon Town in their two previous fixtures before tonight’s final.

What went wrong for The New Saints?

From the outside looking in, the biggest issue for TNS tonight was their intensity, in particular the first half. It was quite a tentative start from Barry, but TNS were too slow in their passing, and gave possession up far too many times in the opening stages.

Their main player this season has been forward Jordan Williams, who has netted 23 league goals this season, was starved of service most of the night, as TNS’ intricate playstyle was being thwarted excellently by Barry’s setup and press.

Furthermore, when TNS did gain good opportunities, they didn’t make them count. They had plenty of crosses and touches in Barry’s final third, but the quality and willingness at times were missing for the reigning champions.

Barry Town United fans deliver

On what is a very famous night for one of Wales’ most historic domestic clubs, Barry’s fans did not disappoint. There was a huge yellow and blue presence in Bridgend, and the crowd totalled 1,231. Particularly towards the end of the game, Barry’s support was evident as they cheered their side on right until the final whistle.

Speaking of the final whistle, just before it was blown by referee Rob Jenkins, a scuffle right in front of the Barry faithful saw two red cards brandished, one for either side.

Barry’s club captain, Callum Sainty, and TNS’ Irish playmaker Rory Holden were both dismissed from the field for violent conduct just seconds before Barry were crowned champions.

There was also a showing from many of Barry’s past players and managers, including legends like Gavin Chesterfield, Kayne McLaggon and Peter Nicholas.

Is this season a failure for Craig Harrison’s men?

Before the season even begins, everyone expects TNS to win every game and every cup, but how realistic is that these days? Teams are becoming increasingly competitive throughout the Cymru Premier, with a huge focus on bridging the gap between TNS and the rest of the league.

Over the past four finals TNS have been involved in, they have struggled in three of them, losing two, therefore that is evidence that this gap is closing when it comes to a one-off game. Teams are able to match them on their day.

However, in terms of a ‘failure’ for Craig Harrison and his players, after seasons of constant domination, this season can easily be dubbed as that. They have the chance to win the Cymru Premier on Tuesday evening when they travel to Connah’s Quay, but that would be their only trophy this season.

After such a brilliant year last season, qualifying for the group phase in the UEFA Conference League and winning the treble, this season will more likely be seen as a huge disappointment for TNS’ constant want for growth and exceeding expectations.