Town on a high after cup win (From Barry And District News)

Town on a high after cup win

BARRY'S dragons received a hero's welcome in the town last Thursday when they roared home from their record-breaking Azerbaijan game. Everyone was celebrating the 3-0 aggregate win over FC Shamkir - making Barry Town the first Welsh club to win a Champions League round.

The team's victory in Russia earned them the praise of locals and a money-spinning second qualifying round against FC Porto last night. As soon as the result came through on Wednesday night, a carnival-like atmosphere started building in the town as the feel-good factor spread. This was reflected in the scores of locals decked out in yellow and blue who turned out at Jenner Park to welcome the team home in style.

They clapped and cheered from the minute the bus came into view, right up until when the players were safely home in the club enjoying a massive celebration party.

Manager Peter Nicholas told the News: 'It's fantastic to have won this tie. Porto will be the biggest game in our history, and we know we are not expected to beat them, but no one can take this result away from us.' People around Barry are also rooting for boys, even those who haven't seen a football game for years.

Andrew Davies, 27, of Barry Road, said: 'It's brilliant. The team has done really well to get through. The experience of taking on FC Porto will be good for them, but that's not to say they can't win.

'Plus, I think it's good news for Jenner Park. It's bound to be a capacity crowd for the return leg, judging by the last match.'

Whilst Adam Owens, 16, of Cwm Talwg, added: 'I try to follow Barry as much as I can. I went to see the first leg in Jenner Park, which was a really good match, and I jumped around when I heard they'd gone through. They've done really well to get this far. I'll definitely go see them when they play FC Porto in Barry.'