Derby-day rivalry set to continue past Euro play-off showdown

FEW would have forecast five years ago that Cardiff Met and Barry Town United would be going head-to-head for a place in the Europa League tonight in front of the television cameras at Cyncoed Campus (5.15 pm).

The dramatic rise of both clubs, who were playing in the fourthtier of Welsh football, is what supporters of many clubs in the pyramid dream about but very few achieve. It is of fairytale proportions.

To reach this stage, the students finished sixth in the Welsh Premier and Barry seventh and the winner will visit The Rock next Sunday, in the final, to take on Cefn Druids for the lucrative prize.

Former Southampton striker and Barry’s top scorer Kayne McLaggan acknowledges the importance of the occasion.

“Obviously, as much as we want to treat it as just another game, there are huge consequences for winning and losing. It’s a massive game and a local derby, too. Both sides like to play football the right way, so it should be a great spectacle,” he said.

McLaggan, pictured above, is confident that Barry’s first season back in the big time and Met’s second, is just the beginning of another chapter of success for both clubs.

He added: “I think both sides will be playing at the top for some time to come as the foundations are there for continued success. I believe Barry will get into Europe whether it be this year, next year or the year after because the club is set up for it.”

The students have found the going tough since the league split in two in January, gaining just five points from 10 matches although four of those points came in the final two matches, giving hope that recovery is on course.

In contrast, Gavin Chesterfield’s side have had a remarkable run-in albeit against the lower-six sides. They are undefeated in their 10 matches, winning eight and drawing two.

McLaggan reflected: “We have been improving week after week. We have made strides since our fourth match and since then we have been moving in the right direction, but Met will start favourites as they finished above us in the league.

“We know each other so well as we have been playing each other since Welsh League Division Three days and we have followed each other up the leagues.

“There is a real rivalry, especially as we are so close to each other.”