HISTORY was re-written at Jenner Park a week ago, as Barry Town United became the first Welsh League football team to reach the final of the Welsh Premier League’s expanded Nathaniel MG Cup.

Pitted against three-time winners Carmarthen Town in the first of two semi-finals, Barry showed hunger, determination and skill to see off their Welsh Premier League foes at Jenner Park, with their famous 1 - 0 triumph confirming the club’s first appearance in the national cup final since 2001.

An evenly-matched contest for much of the 90 minutes, the clash with Mark Aizlewood’s Carmarthen was settled by a moment of pure brilliance from Barry striker Jordan Cotterill, who fired a sublime, 66th-minute free kick beyond the Old Gold wall and goalkeeper Lee Idzi, from 25 yards.

After their exit from the JD Welsh Cup against Penybont three days earlier, the semi-final had quickly become a must-win for Gavin Chesterfield’s squad, but any lingering disappointment from the previous weekend would only serve to fuel their efforts, as Barry rose to the occasion in emphatic fashion.

Cotterill’s wonder strike made sweet reward for the season's biggest crowd of 550, with the loud and partisan home support becoming invaluable as the 12th man in the cold November rain.

With skipper James Saddler and defender Luke Cooper entering fine performances on the slick 3G surface, goalkeeper Mike Lewis made his commanding presence known on a number of occasions, while the second half introduction of penalty taker Bobby Briers and fervent forward James Dixon added further fire to the fight, as the home side battled towards the finish line.

The closing moments saw Carmarthen, who captured the trophy as recently as 2014, throw the kitchen sink at Barry in pursuit of that elusive equaliser that would have forced extra-time.

Nevertheless, the hosts dug deep to keep their opponents at bay, prompting scenes of delirium at the final whistle, as spectators, players and officials alike celebrated a landmark achievement.

Having survived the most difficult period in its history, the midweek mayhem at Jenner Park served as another memorable chapter in the Town’s revival story, with Barry fans now looking forward to a televised cup final in the New Year; something that some thought they might never see again.

The second semi-final between The New Saints and Connah’s Quay was to be played on Tuesday, with a date and location for the final to be confirmed after Barry’s opponents are determined.

Currently, title holders TNS had won all 17 of their domestic fixtures in the 2016-17 campaign, while maintaining a 100 per cent record as a guest entrant in Scotland’s IRN-BRU Cup.

Meanwhile, the Nomads currently sit in second in the Welsh Premier League and are the only outfit to have beaten the Saints on two different occasions in 2016.

Both teams were winners in Europe this summer, with Connah’s Quay advancing in the UEFA Europa League and TNS making further progress in the UEFA Champions League to boot.

First things first though, this Saturday afternoon sees the Town return to Welsh League Division One matters, when Taffs Well are the visitors to Jenner Park (2pm kick-off).

A typically competitive affair, the sides have met every season since the Town’s relegation from the Welsh Premier League in 2004, with admission for this latest fixture only £5 on the turnstiles or £3 for concessions and accompanied children welcomed free of charge.