Total Network Solutions will of course be best remembered by Barry fans under their original name of Llansantffraid, specifically for the Welsh Cup final in 1996, when the Montgomeryshire border side triumphed over the Dragons in a tense match.
Unfair to both sides, the Saints were given the tag of �Barry�s bogey team�, a label which they have deserved on occasions, for example their 1-0 win at the Treflan in March, 1997, but have been embarassed by at other times, their 10-0 drubbing here at Jenner Park six months later being a match which the Saints won�t want to remember.
We have met the Llansantffraid-based club on three occasions in the Welsh Cup, losing on penalties in that Welsh Cup final of 1996, but defeating them in the third round of the cup the following season, and again in last year�s quarter-final.
The result of last year�s game was a 3-1 victory with all three Barry goals coming from one Darren Ryan. �Daz�, of course, is now a regular member of the TNS side which are in sixth place in the League of Wales, and have an outside chance of a European place and a very good chance of a Premier Cup place for next season.
The Saints are still in the Welsh Cup as well, playing mid-Wales rivals Rhayader at home today, and based on league positions must be clear favourites to beat their more southerly rivals.
In addition to those remaining from their Welsh Cup triumph a few years ago, TNS also have Cup experience in the form of Ken McKenna, who cruelly struck to pull Bangor level against Connah�s Quay Nomads in last season�s Welsh Cup final, and ended up on the winning side. This season, McKenna is the border-village club�s top scorer, and in the match at the Treflan earlier this season he scored his first goal against Barry since October 1994.
TNS manager, Dr.Andy Cale, is an England schools manager, and is full-time in his job. He experienced a level of success at Rhyl next season, taking them from relegation to the top of the table, and his mid-season move to the Treflan last year saw his experience pull the Saints away from the relegation zone and into mid-table security. He brought a number of good players from Rhyl with him, and they have provided the backbone of this year�s side.
TNS have been consistent this season, keeping their position on the fringes of the European race. Our two sides have shared a number of epic encounters over the years, with both clubs having won important games. Many a Barry fan will recall the three equalisers in that cup final, and then pulling back the penalties before losing. Others may prefer to think about our three equalisers a few months later, when we drew 3-3 at Jenner Park, although surely most would like to forget about the 93rd minute goal which scuppered our unbeaten record in 96-97.
Next Saturday�s game will be a tough match, as are all games against our supposed �bogey� side, especially as this will be Darren Ryan�s first competitive return to Jenner Park since he left last Summer. He�s sure to be remembered on the terraces. Be here and give the boys a cheer.
See you next week,
the Yellow Dragon.
Links to other sites on the Web
Barry Town homepage
Barry Town Matchday Magazine index
This page edited by the Yellow Dragon, 1999.
This article first published in the Barry Town matchday magazine v Connah's Quay Nomads, Welsh Cup Fourth Round, 13.02.1999
Get your own Free Home Page