Aberystwyth Town and Connah’s Quay Nomads play the 131st Welsh Cup final on Sunday, May 6. dai-sport journalist recalls the first time he watched a final: Barry Town v Cardiff City in 1994.
I knew Eddie May was a special man when I went to Cardiff Arms Park and experienced the sheer football passion he inspired in Bluebirds fans.
The 1993-94 season was at an end, manager May and his Cardiff City team had narrowly avoided relegation despite losing their last three matches against Cambridge United, Exeter City and Bradford City.
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Then the Bluebirds suffered a massive blow, losing 2-1 against Abacus Welsh League champions Barry Town in the Allbright Bitter Welsh Cup final.
That ended a disappointing season, but the love for May overflowed among Cardiff fans.
While Barry player-manager Andy Beattie celebrated with players and fans, the City faithful sang, cheered and chanted Eddie’s name.
There was precious little money available for May that season and he did a decent job in keeping the club at Division Two level. They finished two points outside the relegation zone.
Nathan Blake’s goal had earned City a 1-0 FA Cup fourth round victory against Manchester City earlier in the season, but defeat in the Welsh Cup final was a massive blow.
Barry qualified for the European Cup Winners Cup and were drawn against Zalgiris Vilnius, while Cardiff were down and out.
The Cardiff faithful, though, knew Eddie was a Bluebird through and through. They adored the guy.
Second Division City were aiming to win the Welsh Cup for a 23rd time and qualify for Europe, but battling Barry, who included five former Swansea City players in their team, snatched victory.
Alan Curtis provided midfield quality for Barry, while Terry Boyle was cool and calm at the back.
David D’Auria and David Hough scored the goals for Barry, who lifted this trophy for the first time since 1955. They were the fourth Welsh non-Football League club to gain entry to the Cup Winners Cup, following Bangor City, Borough United and Merthyr Tydfil.
Underdogs Barry went ahead after 40 minutes when Keith Bertschin went round Mark Aizlewood and hit a firm, angled drive which goalkeeper Steve Williams could only push away. D’Auria snapped up the loose ball and fired home.
Phil Stant equalised, scoring his 22nd goal of the season six minutes after half-time, while Barry’s winner went in on the hour.
Former Wales international Curtis swung over a corner, Beattie headed the ball on and Hough beat Williams from close range.
“The players were great, everybody was great,” said Beattie. “Some people called us ‘Dad’s Army’ but the first few yards are in the head and we used that to our advantage.”
D’auria said: “The best day of my career, bar none. I played for Swansea in the European Cup and there were 52,000 spectators there, this is my best day ever.”
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