A BUMPER attendance is expected early this Saturday evening for what has been billed as the biggest football match in Barry for over a decade, as Barry Town United take on Welsh Premier League champions The New Saints at Jenner Park which kicks-off at 5.15pm.

Manager Gavin Chesterfield will lead his Town troops into the JD Welsh Cup Fourth Round tie aware of the size of the task ahead; but confident that his players have the ability to rock the current cup holders should they perform to their sizeable potential.

The Saints have won the iconic Welsh Cup trophy in three of the last four seasons; their only blip in this period being a 1-0 stoppage time defeat to Bangor City on the same semi-final Saturday that saw Barry edged out by Prestatyn in April 2013.

In the Welsh Premier League, the Oswestry-based outfit have been nothing short of ruthless, winning four consecutive WPL titles to surpass Barry's record of championship successes achieved in the 1990s and early 2000s.

However, hopes of an unblemished campaign to mirror Gary Barnett's men of 1997-98 were shattered for this season, as TNS were beaten 2-0 by Connah's Quay in January.

This Saturday's encounter, which will be broadcast live across the nation on various S4C platforms, will determine which club takes the final spot in the Welsh Cup Quarter Final draw, to be made in Barry for the first time ever after the full-time whistle.

As ever, a spot in the Qualifying Rounds of next season's UEFA Europa League will go to the tournament winner and it is worth noting that TNS have made European progress in three of their past six campaigns, facing off with names such as Anderlecht, Helsingborgs, Legia Warsaw and upcoming Manchester United opponents FC Midtjylland.

Among their other adventures, the Saints were Manchester City's first competitive opponents at the Etihad Stadium in the 2004-05 UEFA Cup, before being pitted against Liverpool in the Qualifying Round of the 2005-06 UEFA Champions League.

For Barry meanwhile, the long road back to prominence has been an arduous one and remains ongoing, with manager Gavin Chesterfield and his staff continuing their efforts to steer the Town back to the Welsh Premier League after a 12 year absence.

As it is, Saturday will provide Chesterfield's charges with a taste of the top flight football they covet, as well as the chance to write their names in the club's celebrated history books.

Many will recall the last time a Barry side rose from their Welsh League Division One bread and butter to topple the reigning Welsh Cup holders; with the battling Barrians' upset win over Cardiff City in May 1994 rewarded with an open top bus tour through Holton Road.

Much like the Bluebirds that spring, the full-time professionals of TNS will come into Saturday's Welsh Cup match as favourites, but the underdog tag is one that Town sides continue to relish, making the upcoming tie a fascinating affair; especially given the form that has seen Barry score a total of 16 times across the three rounds to date.

Trailing twice at Briton Ferry in a first round thriller, goals from TJ Nagi (2) and Bobby Briers helped the Town advance to a second round tie with Aberdare. where a rampant James Dixon would score five times in a scintillating 7-2 win (with Jordan Cotterill and Michael Hartley also adding their names to the scoresheet).

History would then repeat itself in the third round meeting with Denbigh, as Dixon dispatched five to dismiss the North Walians; an own goal compounding their misery in an unexpectedly emphatic 6-1 defeat. As a Welsh Premier League club, the Saints would enter the cup the same day, winning 3-0 at home to Aberystwyth in a repeat of the 2014 final.

Ahead of Saturday's tie, TNS coach Craig Harrison secured the signing of ex-Middlesbrough winger and Northern Ireland Under-21 international Ryan Brobbel, bolstering a squad that has uncharacteristically stuttered in recent weeks, winning only one of their last six outings.

Barry boss Chesterfield meanwhile has been keeping his cards relatively close to his chest; though is known to be without recent full debutant and goalscorer Callum Sainty, who remains cup-tied. Should Chesterfield hand a start to Dan Bradley, the Barry goalkeeper will make his 350th appearance in Town colours, while a strong contingent of local lads, including former Welsh Cup finalist Drew Fahiya, is expected to feature prominently.

Whatever the result on Saturday, the efforts to put the town of Barry back on the footballing map will continue. However, occasions like Saturday only come around so often; making Jenner Park the place to be as the Barry boys go for glory against the champions of Wales; in front of what will likely be the largest and loudest home crowd of the season.

Admission for the Barry versus TNS match at Jenner Park on Saturday is £5 at the turnstiles,with deals available for senior citizens, students and children. Supporters can additionally buy in advance online at barry.ticketsource.co.uk