Barry crowned champions

Three in a row
By webmaster/rheolwr y wefan
April 28 2003

After thrashing Aberystwyth 5-1 at Jenner Park on Saturday, Barry Town clinched their 3rd successive Welsh Premier title. The Dragons have now been champions of Wales for a record 7th season. At the other end, we say 'hwyl fawr' to Welshpool and Llanelli

Barry Town, who are managed by John Fashanu will now represent Wales in this summers Champions League qualifiers. The Jenner Park outfit will be aiming to put this season's disappointment in Europe behind them, as they bid to be the first ever Welsh side to reach the Champions League group stages.
Drop down a place in the final league table, and we find Ken Mckenna's T.N.S. The ambitious village club will be disappointed to have lost the title, after building up a healthy lead over title rivals Barry Town and Bangor City by the end of March. However, a disatrous final month of the campaign, coupled with a rise in Barry's fortunes, sees them finish in the runners-up position. The Llansantffraid based club will now compete in this summer's UEFA Cup qualifying round. It is likely that any home ties will be played at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground.

In 3rd place we find Peter Davenport's Bangor City. 'Dav' has been clearly dismayed by his side's performances in recent weeks, and inconsistency has cost them dear. Despite concers over the financial benefits of playing in the Intertoto Cup, the 'Citizen's will be representing Wales in just 5 weeks time, when they face Romanian opposition in the first round. If they progress, they are assured of a lucrative tie with a top Serie A Italian side.

Relegation

At the other end of the table, Llanelli and Welshpool Town will be relegated. Llanelli's relegation has seemed inevitable since Christmas, and will play their football in the Welsh League next season.

On a dramtic final day, Welshpool were relegated along with Llanelli, after just one season in the Welsh Premier, and face an immediate return to the Cymru Alliance

Coming up!

Viv William's CPD Porthmadog will be returning to the Welsh Premier after being crowned Cymru Alliance champions. In the south, it is still unsure if any side will be promoted, and will depend on the candidates meeting Welsh Premier ground criteria.