Looking back at Barry Town United’s brief stint in European football last Summer, as they hosted Cliftonville FC at Cardiff International Sports Campus in the Preliminary Round of the UEFA Europa League.

Barry finished 3rd in the 2018/19 Welsh Premier League season, which secured their place in a European club competition for the first time since 2003. The club drew Cliftonville FC and faced the Northern Irish club at home in the 1st leg on 27th June 2019.

The club identified Cardiff International Sports Campus as their temporary home for the fixture, just 7 miles away from Jenner Park (Barry’s home ground), after their 3G pitch in Barry failed a FIFA pro test.

Much anticipation was built up for the fixture as more than 2,000 fans travelled into Cardiff, making for a lively atmosphere in the Welsh capital. The Barry Town United supporters made themselves seen and heard, packing out the stadium at Leckwith in their yellow and blue shirts.

The match itself wasn’t the greatest of contests, as very few chances were produced by either side. Cliftonville came the closest to scoring as Conor McMenamin’s left-footed shot fired inches wide of the far post, before Rory Donnelly skimmed the same post moments after. The game finished 0-0.

The result in Cardiff left the tie in the balance. However, Barry would go on to exit the Europa League in the return leg in Northern Ireland following a 4-0 defeat away to Cliftonville.

Despite their exit in Europe, the club and their supporters can be proud of what they achieved. We once again thank them for choosing Cardiff International Sports Campus as their venue for the fixture!

Photos by Carl Robertson (ciac Images)

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