Barry Town United keep their status in JD Cymru Premier

BARRY'S first season back in the Cymru Premier after last season’s promotion was always going to be a challenge – but the club comfortably retained their status, finishing ninth in the twelve-team league.

That sits in contrast with the other promoted club last season, Colwyn Bay, who were relegated.

The season began with an unexpected change in management, with Steve Jenkins taking over from Lee Kendall only a week before competitive games started.

The following nine months will have given Jenkins, and assistant Jonathan Jones, much to think about, especially as they plan for next season.

The ever tenacious captain fantastic Kayne McLaggon fought hard for Barry this season (Image: Perry Dobbins Photography)

Unarguably the result of the season was a 2-2 away draw at runaway league champions, The New Saints.

Barry came from two goals down to equalise through Ollie Hulbert and Kayne McLaggon, the only points dropped at home by the Saints all season.

Other stand out results include a home victory over Bala Town 3-1, where Hulbert and McLaggon were again the goal-scorers, and a purple patch in early January where Barry beat Newtown 4-0 at Jenner Park and then won 4-2 away at Aberystwyth, with four different players on the scoresheet.

One of Barry's standout players, Ollie Hulbert (Image: Perry Dobbins Photography)

A bid farewell to Jordan Cotterill (Image: Perry Dobbins Photography)

Wins away on the North Wales coast against Caernarfon Town and Colwyn Bay ensured Barry reached safety, as did a home 2-0 win over former boss Kendall’s new side, Pontypridd.

Hulbert finished the season as Barry’s top scorer with 11 league goals from 30 appearances, as well as a Welsh Cup goal, followed by McLaggon who scored six in the league and a further three in cup competitions.

Sam Snaith scored five in the league and one in the Welsh Cup.

Elsewhere in the club, Barry Town Women maintained their Adran Premier top flight status for a fourth season, and the u-19 women’s team were Cymru South and National u-19 champions.

The men’s youth side were finalists in the Welsh Youth Cup. Although defeated it was the first time since the 1940s that Barry have reached the final.