Barry Town Utd went into their opening fixture of 2026 at home to Pontypridd Utd looking to start the year with momentum on a frosty afternoon at Jenner Park.

The hosts named youngsters, Eleni Tucker and Carys Molden-Spiller in the match day squad for the first time who have both come through the clubs junior pathway over a number of years.

The first half saw Barry dominate possession for most of the half and they were soon putting pressure on the visitors goal, Beca Thomas, Sienna Stone and India Shanahan having efforts as Barry looked to take the early advantage. Pontypridd, who despite being bottom of the league table, did possess the attacking threat of Maddison Lloyd who has been in excellent form and had the best chance of the first half for the visitors, however she was denied by a good save from Molly Arnesen.

Barry's pressure eventually told as a good ball from Shanahan found Harris whose effort was saved by the keeper, however the rebound fell to Thomas who picked her spot and fired into the bottom corner on 25 minutes. That was to be the final action for Shanahan who went off with a nasty looking injury and was replaced with debutant, Eleni Tucker.

Just 8 minutes later Barry doubled their lead. Some good build up play saw Thomas find Erin Murray on the edge of the box who beat her marker before executing a fine left foot shot into the bottom corner. Barry now well in command and led 2-0 at the break.

The second half started off in a similar pattern and Barry extended their lead on 50 minutes with the goal of the match. Some great build up play found Thomas who played a great switch pass to Lucy Attwood who struck a fantastic left foot shot into the far corner to make it 3-0.

To their credit, the visitors continued working hard throughout the game and grabbed a goal back a minute later when Lloyd found some space and fired a low shot into the bottom corner to make it 3-1.

However, Barry reclaimed a three goal advantage on 55 minutes when Ellie Gunney got on the end of a set piece from Jasmine Turner to make it 4-1.

The game fizzled out in the final 30 minutes with Barry well on top, and despite several more efforts at goal the result finished 4-1 to the hosts which see's Barry move up into 6th in the Adran Premier league table.