BARRY Town United will start the new year at Jenner Park this Saturday afternoon, with the Nathaniel MG Cup finalists aiming to avenge the solitary blot on an otherwise flawless home record.

Starting their Welsh League Division One campaign with six home victories from six, further midweek wins over visitors Briton Ferry, Cardiff Met, Haverfordwest County and Carmarthen Town in cup competition have delighted the Jenner Park crowds across the current season.

However, Barry’s surprise 3 - 0 loss to high-flying Penybont on Saturday, November 5, 2016, not only saw the Town dumped unceremoniously out of the Welsh Cup, but handed them their heaviest loss of 2016-17 to date; a result that manager Gavin Chesterfield and his playing staff will be eager to put right this weekend, with the Nathaniel MG Cup Final with The New Saints a mere fortnight away.

Managed by former Plymouth Argyle hotshot Rhys Griffiths, Penybont were formed from the merger of the previous Bridgend Town and Bryntirion Athletic clubs and have largely lived up to their Welsh Premier League aspirations in recent outings, racking up a number of impressive results, including a 4 - 1 thrashing of Welsh Cup adventurers Ton Pentre before the festive interlude.

One of four Welsh League representatives in the competition’s last 16, Penybont will look to sustain their winning ways at Jenner Park on Saturday afternoon, while building added momentum for their trip to Welsh Premier League outfit Bala Town at the end of the month.

For Barry meanwhile, any league defeat this weekend could prove an unthinkable setback, as the sizeable Nathaniel MG Cup challenge of record-breakers TNS looms ominously on the horizon.

With back-to-back victories over Welsh Premier League rivals Cefn Druids across the Christmas period, Craig Harrison’s Saints reached the remarkable milestone of 27 successive victories across all competitions; surpassing the world record feat of 26 set by Dutch masters Ajax in the 1971-72 season.

Harrison has since set his sights on extending this formidable streak, putting his side on collision course with Chesterfield’s Town, with the sides set to meet in the season’s first showpiece on Saturday, January 21.

Tickets for the cup final will be available at the Barry versus Penybont match this weekend, with the league match at Jenner Park this Saturday kicking off at 2pm and admission only £5 at the turnstiles (concessions available).