Fans invited to ‘pay what you want’ to see Barry Town (From Barry And District News)

Fans invited to ‘pay what you want’ to see Barry Town

12:25pm Tuesday 12th March 2013 in Sport

THE Barry Town Supporters' Committee (BTSC) is pleased to announce its first ever ‘Pay What You Want’ match - with everybody welcome to watch their local team for as much (or as little!) as they like.

The event, a first for the MacWhirter Welsh League, will take place on Saturday, March 23 (2.30pm), as Gavin Chesterfield's Welsh Cup semi-finalists entertain historic rivals Aberdare Town at Jenner Park.

Spectators will have the opportunity to pay whatever entry fee they choose, with the community-led, non-profit BTSC using all donations to support their upkeep of Barry Town football.

A BTSC spokesman commented: “We welcome all to come to Jenner Park and cheer on the lads, who have done so well to reach the Welsh Cup semi-finals. They certainly deserve the chance to entertain the biggest crowd possible.

“For £20, 20p, or nothing at all, everyone is welcome. The BTSC works hard to give back to the community each season, and we hope the ‘Pay What You Want’ match will continue this tradition - giving everyone in Barry the chance to see the game for whatever they can afford.”

With the match being played on an international weekend (and the World Cup qualifier between Scotland and Wales scheduled for the Friday evening), it is hoped football fans in Barry will take this golden opportunity to check out their hometown team in its 100th year.

Visitors Aberdare Town are co-managed by former Barry Town defenders Lee Phillips and Lee Jarman and will be hoping to avenge their 2-0 defeat at Aberaman Park earlier in the season.

Homegrown talent Lee Baldock scored both the Barry goals that day - and spectators at the ‘Pay What You Want’ match will be able to cheer on a number of local lads, as well as talent from further afield, as the dedicated squad continues their efforts to bring success to the town.

“With no Premiership or Championship programme that weekend, Saturday, March 23, marks an ideal opportunity for the people of Barry to come out and watch an entertaining live match on their doorstep,” continued the spokesman.

“As neither Cardiff City nor Swansea City are in action that day, we hope the ‘Pay What You Want’ concept will encourage local people, who might not be regular supporters, through the gates - for one Saturday, at least!"

The fan-run Barry Town team have exceeded all expectations this campaign, reaching the Welsh Cup semi-finals for the first time in a decade.

Their match against Aberdare will mark the side’s sole Jenner Park outing before the crunch tie against Prestatyn Town on Saturday, April 6.

The BTSC will be offering return coach travel to the match at Newtown’s Latham Park, with further information available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/BarryTownSC