Barry to boost Wales' record

Barry Town will aim to "give it their best shot" against Boavista

Boavista v Barry Town, Thursday 21:30 BST

Barry Town prepare for their Uefa Cup tie with Boavista hoping to end the dismal record of Welsh clubs in Europe.

Since the beginning of the League of Wales, Welsh clubs have won only four out of more than sixty games in Europe - Barry have won two of those.

Their greatest moment came in 1994 when they narrowly lost to Aberdeen having made the first round proper of the UEFA Cup.

The Jenner Park outfit approach Thursday's match confident that their pre-season training has given them the best possible preparation for the match.

Speaking to BBC Radio Wales, Barry manager Peter Nicholas said his team were ready for the challenge.

"Some have said that the game has come a little bit early for us," he said.

We're going to Boavista to give it our best shot

  Barry Town manager Peter Nicholas

"But we've got a new team, new players and they're looking forward to the game as much as I am," Nicholas said.

"We will not use the excuse that it is too early in the season if we don't perform out there."

Best shot

The former coach with Crystal Palace has spent the close season trying to instil confidence in his team ahead of their European adventure.

"We're going to Boavista to give it our best shot," he said.

These sentiments were echoed by last season's player/coach, Richard Jones.

They are used to sunshine, the glamour and the glitz and they will not relish coming back to Jenner Park

  Barry striker Jamie Morrelli

"This is something we worked very hard for last year. And we have to hope everything clicked for us on the night," he said.

"All the lads get on well and the new boys at the club have slotted in straightaway. It's just about knuckling down and getting on with the job."

For Jones the new season brings new challenges, as he concentrates on being a player first and foremost.

"As soon as you step over that white line you concentrate fully on playing and I will relish that," he said.

Striker Jamie Morrelli, a close-season signing from Colchester was relishing his chance of European competition.

Barry fans expect

"We know we have to get a result and an away goal out there," he said.

"They are used to sunshine, the glamour and the glitz and they will not relish coming back to Jenner Park."

Pragmatic

For the man who has taken over Jones' role of club coach, however, excitement at Thursday's fixture is tempered with a realistic approach to the new domestic season. "The League of Wales still has to be the main thing," Nicholas said.

"Everybody here wants to win it and we're definitely going to be there this season having a go at it."