FIFA president and UEFA chairman Lennart Johansson sat alongside Barry Town chairman Paula O'Halloran in the main stand at Jenner Park, while a few yards away, in the next block of seats, Cardiff city boss Frank Burrows sat alone.
Blatter and Johansson, two of the most powerful men in world soccer, popped over to Barry following the International Football Association Board annual meeting at Miskin Manor.
The pair, along with others, spent their time in the Vale of Glamorgan discussing possible soccer rule changes such as two referees for one match, goal-line technology to decide whether the ball had crossed the line and punishment for cheating players.
It was a time to relax, although the pair did not return to their seats after half-time, preferring to stay in the warm and watch from the lounge.
Burrows, though, remained in his seat, presumably checking on the form of Barry striker Eifion Williams. The Wales B striker was some way off his best, though, and the closest he came to scoring came after 70 minutes - just as Burrows made his way out of the ground.
Williams did have a sight of a goal in the early stages, only to see his shot beaten away by keeper Andy Mulliner, and then it seemed he had to score when he gained possession in front of goal.
As he shaped to shoot, defender Mick Gallagher, a Merseyside policeman, slid in to challenge and succeeded only in turning the ball into his own net.
Earlier, former Barry player Darren Ryan, the TNS captain, had the ball in the net only for his effort to be disallowed, while the visitors also hit the post and the bar before the Dragons had scored.
It was former Torquay United player, Lee Barrow, who put Barry ahead with a header after 35 minutes.
Barry returned to winning ways - this victory followed a draw and a defeat - to take another step towards retaining their title in front of around 500 spectators.
TNS proved tough opponents, but Barry, despite some nervous moments, had the edge and collected the points.
Barry Town: D.Wells, T.Evans, D.Davies, G.Lloyd, A.York (capt), L.Barrow, G.Barnett, D.Carter, P.Mitchell, E.Williams, R.Jones. Subs: J.Jenkins for Williams, 72 mins; C.Pridham for Davies, 84 mins. Not used: G.Shone
TNS : A.Mulliner, D.Parry, R.Morris, M.Gallager, T.Edwards, J.Whelan, G.Powell, G.Evans, G.Wilson, R.Evans, D.Ryan (capt); Subs: D.Barton for Whelan, 72 mins; J.Fairhurst for Evans, 87 mins. Not used: P.Mullins
referee: J.A.Collins (Swansea).
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This page edited by the Yellow Dragon, 1999
This article first published in the South Wales Echo, 22.02.1999
Match report, Barry Town v Total Network Solutions, League of Wales, 20.02.1999
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