SATURDAY, 26th DECEMBER, 1998. 11:30A.M.
The 'Big Day' is over, the presents have been unwrapped (and broken), the turkey has been stuffed (and you feel like you've been). It's Boxing Day, and you want to get out of the house. Where better to come (with or without the family) than Jenner Park for the annual clash with the city slickers from a few miles to our East?
There's always been a sense of rivalry with Inter. Originally, of course, they were Sully, a local village always snapping at Barry's heels. It was good to put them in their place. It was bad to lose to them. In 1990, though, they made the move to Cardiff, changed their name to Inter and moved up to play with the big boys. The facilities at their new ground meant that they took the step up to the Abacus League National Division, and subsequently (via a move to their current home at the Cardiff Athletic Stadium) the further step up to the newly-formed League of Wales.
Inter have become worthy adversaries, finishing second in the LoW on three different occasions, the most recent being in 1996/97, when they came in behind us. In fact, it was Barry who killed their title ambitions, Gary Barnett 35th minute lob setting us on our way to a 2-1 victory and securing the League of Wales championship.
Two months ago, a match with Inter would have looked a mismatch, as the Cardiff side uncharacteristically languished near the bottom of the table. However, George Wood's side has finally gelled, and the past month has seen them rapidly climb the League of Wales, storming past sides and recording 6-0 victories over clubs such as Caersws.
It was only to be expected, as Inter finally transferred their cup form to the League of Wales. They were the first club to ensure qualification from the group stage of the F.A.W Premier Cup, while they are still in both the Welsh Cup and the Gilbert League of Wales Cup, the latter after beating today's opponents in the first round.
No single striker has made his name for Inter this season, with goals coming from many sources. One of the more familiar members of the squad, though, is Paul Evans, who has played for Barry in three different spells between 1988 and 1995. Inter also feature many other familiar characters of Welsh football including former Cwmbran players, Simon Dyer and Sean Wharton, as well as former Merthyr Tydfil goalkeeper, Gary Wager, no doubt all a part of their recent on-pitch successes.
Whatever the weather next weekend, Inter'll be here to continue their charge up the table. You'd be a fool to miss it.
See you next week, and remember to set your alarm clocks for the 11:30a.m. kick off.
Links to other sites on the Web
Barry Town homepage
Barry Town Matcchday Magazine index
Barry Town results 1998-99
This page edited by the Yellow Dragon, 1999.
This article first printed in the Barry Town matchday magazine, v Aberystwyth Town, 19.12.1998, League of Wales
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