Samuel Jones 'benefitted' from spell with title-chasing Barry Town United

Jones celebrates after scoring against Taff’s Well. (Jordan Jones)

Cambrian’s Samuel Jones says he benefitted from his brief spell at Barry Town United, ahead of his return to Jenner Park.

Jones joined Barry for their first season in the top flight In 14 years, playing a bit part role for the Vale of Glamorgan club.

He has since returned to Cambrian & Clydach where he has become a vital player for Dane Williams’ side, scoring a number of key goals.

The 19-year-old said: “I had a great year with Barry. Although my moment never really came, I definitely developed as a player during my time there.

“Barry was the team who brought me into Welsh Premier League and it was a great experience, all the boys and the fans were great with me as a young player.”

An academy product of Cambrian & Clydach Vale, Jones feels his return to the club has seen him grown as a player.

He’s one of their top scorers this season, despite making a number of appearances from the substitutes bench.

“Since I’ve been back at Cambrian I’ve really kicked on as a player and I’m really enjoying my football. We’ve got a great group of boys who are like family and I’ve loved every second on and off the field.

“There’s really good energy around the club and all the boys are feeding off it and kicking on.”

Sam Jones celebrates his first goal against Taffs Well

(Image: Jordan Jones)

‘All season we have thrived under pressure’

Cambrian & Clydach Vale have made a name for themselves this season in doing well in the Cup competitions.

The Rhondda club has the possibility of playing in Europe, should they win the competition.

“It’s huge but all season we have thrived under pressure,” said Sam Jones. We just have to focus on the Barry game first and then take it game by game, but we are fully aware that the rewards are huge.

“We have already got to the final of one cup and we believe we can do it again. European football at Clydach would definitely be something special.”

‘It’s no surprise to me that they’re challenging for the title’

Cambrian & Clydach have been the story of Welsh football this season, having knocked out four Welsh Premier League sides in their run to the Nathaniel MG Cup Final.

One of those sides were Barry Town United, who themselves have shocked the Welsh domestic season, with an outside chance in the JD Welsh Premier League title race.

“It’s no surprise to me that they’re challenging for the title having a spent a season with them so it’s definitely a challenging draw for us.

“They’re a great footballing team who have quality players throughout the squad and have the bonus of being able to play at Jenner park which will be bouncing.

“We are definitely going into this game believing we can reach the next round. Barry have been superb all season and it was a tough contest when we played them earlier in the season.

That’s gone now and we have prepared well for this game. We know it’s a massive test but it will be a great contest.”

‘It’s made us hungrier to win something’

January’s Final defeat to Cardiff Metropolitan hasn’t deterred them. They’re still going strong in Division One and are competing with Penybont for the League title.

A week after Adam Roscrow netted a brace for the Archers, Cambrian regrouped and beat Rhyl, who were on a 14 game unbeaten run on penalties.

An unlikely Cup win for Cambrian could see the side compete in Europe, should they repeat their League Cup heroics.

“Although it was a great cup run we are all still hurting from losing the final. We had a taste of what it could be like to win some silverware but it just wasn’t our day.

“I think it’s made us hungrier to win something this year though, we are still hunting for the league and want to go as far as we can in the Welsh Cup which is a massive competition.

“We are fully aware that the rewards are huge. We have already got to the final of one cup and we believe we can do it again. European football at Clydach would definitely be something special.”