Our JD Cymru Premier campaign kicks off this Friday night with the visit of Barry Town United to Stebonheath Park – an occasion not to be missed. 

The Reds started the 2025/26 season with a 1-4 victory away at Ynyshir Albions in the Nathaniel MG Cup last Saturday – full attention now turns to our league opener in what is a long awaited return to the Cymru Premier. 

Barry Town arrive at Stebonheath Park this Friday night (8th August) with kick-off set for 7:45pm. Tickets are available here, with a full supporters guide available to read here. 

Our Opponents – Barry Town United

Last season saw Barry Town finish 7th in phase one before going on to maintain the form needed to finish in one of the coveted European play off spots. Despite continuing the strong run of form in phase two, the Linnets would be defeated 5-2 by Caernarfon Town in the first round of the European play offs.

Striker Ollie Hulbert finished as the top scorer in the play-off conference with young talent Ieuan Owen also proving to be crucial for Barry throughout the campaign. More on our players to watch can be found in our matchday programme on Friday.

Barry Town also kicked off their campaign last weekend in the 2nd round of the Nathaniel MG Cup. The Linnets hosted Aberystwyth Town who were relegated from the JD Cymru Premier last season.

A late winner from Callum Sainty secured a place in the 3rd round for Barry Town as the Linnets ran out 2-1 winners at Jenner Park.

Current Connections with the Linnets

The Reds’ current squad features a number of former Barry Town players; Louis Gerrard was a fan favourite at the Linnets and has also made his mark on supporters at Stebonheath Park. Theo Wharton played a huge part in the Reds’ promotion campaign last season also winning the supporters & players player of the season awards.

Most recently, the Reds have added three former Barry Town players to the squad ahead of the new 25/26 campaign. Mike Lewis arrives having made over 200 appearances for the Linnets.

Harrison Bright and Josh Yorwerth also made their marks at Barry Town before joining the Reds this summer.

Reds supporters will recognise Michael George of Barry Town who spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Stebonheath Park. Michael made 20 appearances for the Reds – scoring 3 times and assisting once.

Head to Head

The Reds have not beaten Barry Town across the last five encounters between the two sides;

2nd August 2024: Barry Town United 1-1 Llanelli Town (Barry win on penalties)

28th January 2023: Llanelli Town AFC 1-1 Barry Town United

21st October 2022: Barry Town United 3-1 Llanelli Town AFC

14th October 2022: Llanelli Town AFC 1-1 Barry Town United (Barry win on penalties)

7th August 2021: Barry Town United 5-0 Llanelli Town AFC

The Gary Lloyd Cup

Gary Lloyd is a legend for both Barry Town and Llanelli Town, a player that made an incredible impact at both Jenner Park and Stebonheath Park.

Currently, Barry Town hold the coveted Gary Lloyd Cup trophy with the Reds aiming to win it back on Friday night. A full feature on The Gary Lloyd Cup can be found in this Friday’s matchday programme, a must read for both sets of supporters.

Reds Recap

Lee Johns side kicked off 25/26 with a strong victory in the Nathaniel MG Cup against Ynyshir Albions last Saturday.

Despite going a goal behind, an instant equaliser from Tristan Jenkins followed by a goal from Danny Williams quickly saw the Reds take the lead within minutes.

A second goal from Danny, followed by a debut goal from Alex Bonthron saw the Reds run out 1-4 winners away from home in the second round of the competition.

The third round draw for the Nathaniel MG Cup takes place on Thursday 7th August.