Barry Town United have a big month ahead of them.
They are mounting a challenge near the top of Welsh League Division One, while the Vale of Glamorgan club are also through to the Nathaniel MG Cup final against Welsh Premier League champions The New Saints.
Barry are the first Welsh League team to qualify for the final in that competition, but first they must focus on First Division matches against Penybont at Jenner Park this Saturday (January 7) and then Monmouth Town away the following weekend.
Only then will manager Gavin Chesterfield and his Barry team turn to the final against a TNS team who have set a new World record of 27 successive victories. They have edged past the previous best set by Johann Cruyff’s Ajax 44 years ago.
The final is at Cardiff Met’s Cyncoed Stadium on Saturday, January 21 (5.15pm).
TNS clinched their place in the final thanks to a 1-0 win at Connah’s Quay Nomads with Scott Quigley netting the winner after nine minutes.
That win came seven days after the original Nomads v TNS match was abandoned because of fog with the score at 2-2.
Saints have won this competition a record eight times, while Barry are five-times holders.
This will be Barry’s first appearance in the final since 2001, having beaten Carmarthen Town 1-0 in their semi-final.
It was Jordan Cotterill who scored from a 66th minute free-kick to earn Barry victory against manager Mark Aizlewood’s Carmarthen.
More than 500 spectators watched Barry’s win. They produced a solid team performance with captain James Saddler and defender Luke Cooper outstanding.
This weekend Penybont manager Rhys Griffiths takes his team to Jenner Park. Former goals ace Griffiths, now aged 36, is second on the all-time list of Welsh Premier League goalscorer with 248 in 342 appearances, 71 behind Marc Lloyd Williams.
Penybont defeated Ton Pentre 4-1 in their latest League match, thanks to goals from Adam Carpenter (2), Joe Hopkins and Kane Owen, who converted a penalty.
Rhondda Bulldogs Ton had Adam Lewis sent off after 89 minutes after being booked for a second time.
Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup quarter-final draw (ties to be played on Saturday, January 14, 1.30pm kick-off): Bridgend Street v Taffs Well, Haverfordwest County v Risca United, Llanelli Town v Abergavenny Town, Llantwit Major v Caerau Ely.
Welsh League fixtures this weekend:
Friday, January 6 (7.30pm kick-off), Division One: Afan Lido v Taffs Well (7.30pm).
Saturday, January 7 (all 2pm kick-off): Barry Town United v Penybont, Caerau Ely v Haverfordwest County, Caldicot Town v Port Talbot Town, Cwmbran Celtic v Cambrian and Clydach, Goytre United v Undy Athletic, Monmouth Town v Ton Pentre, Risca United v Goitre.
Welsh League
Division Two: Abergavenny Town v AFC Porth, AFC Llwydcoed v West End, Ammanford v Pontardawe, Croesyceiliog v Dinas Powys, Garden Village v Aberbargoed Buds, Llanelli Town v Aberdare Town, Newport City v Cwmamman United, Pontypridd Town v Briton Ferry Llansawel
Division Three: Bridgend Street v Caerleon, Caerau v Treowen Stars, Llantwit Major v Trefelin Boys and Girls Club, Penrhiwceiber Rangers v Panteg, STM Sports v Ely Rangers, Tredegar Town v Cwm Welfare, Treharris Athletic Western v Ynysgerwn, Trethomas Bluebirds v Chepstow Town.