Brobbel goal the difference as Saints claim final-day win against Barry Town United

Match Report

Goals: Brobbel (39)
Substitutions: Barton for Smith (66)

Match report by Sam Wood
Lead image: Lewis Mitchell/FAW

The New Saints defeated Barry Town United to claim a 1-0 victory on the final day of the 2025/26 JD Cymru Premier season.

Despite Craig Harrison’s side having a number of chances, a goal from Ryan Brobbel in the 39th minute was all that separated the sides at Jenner Park.

It was the Saints who had the first chance of the afternoon with six minutes on the clock, but after taking the ball into his stride on the edge of the penalty area, Jordan Williams’ effort proved easy for the goalkeeper to deal with.

Down the other end, Andy Legg’s side had a great chance to make the breakthrough in the 20th minute when Ieuan Owen dispossessed Jordan Marshall on the right wing. The Linnets’ number nine looked up and tried to pick out the arriving Ollie Hulbert inside the six-yard box, but there was too much pace on his cross.

On the half hour mark, Northern Ireland U21 international Ryan Brobbel caused problems for the Barry defence with a mazy run into the area, but his eventual cross proved too tricky for Marshall to convert at the back post.

The opening goal did finally arrive in the 39th minute, however, and it was Brobbel the man to score it. Racing onto Dan Williams’ forward pass, the number eight spotted a gap at the near post and slotted a composed finish past Ratcliffe who remained rooted to the spot.

Taking a 1-0 lead at the break, the JD Cymru Premier champions picked up where they left off following the restart.

In the 51st minute, Marshall picked out Jordan Williams on the edge of the six-yard box after a good piece of skill, but the latter’s back heeled effort proved comfortable for the goalkeeper.

The former Cardiff City man came to his side’s rescue again with 57 minutes gone, as he pulled off another smart stop to once again deny Williams.

Goalscorer Brobbel was causing problems for the hosts again shortly after, and following a superb piece of skill on the edge of the penalty area to take the ball around three defenders, forced Ratcliffe into yet another save from close range.

Legg’s side had the chance to hit back 10 minutes from time following a corner from the left.

Robbie Willmott’s cross caused problems for the TNS defence and the ball eventually reached Owen on the end of the six-yard box, but the striker’s volleyed effort was blocked on its way to goal.

That proved to be that as far as chances were concerned though, and Harrison’s side left Jenner Park with a 1-0 victory.

It caps another strong campaign for The New Saints, who were crowned champions for a record-extending 18th time, and now look forward to another season of UEFA Champions League football.