It was Barry’s first trophy for 23 years and their first in the League Cup final since 2000.
Although massive underdogs going into the game, Barry not only held their ground but also found a way to score against the champions for the first time in four games this season after a 313-minute wait.
After their treble winning season in 2024-25, Craig Harrison’s TNS have now lost their grip on the JD Welsh Cup and now the Nathaniel MG Cup, although they can clinch an 18th JD Cymru Premier crown on Tuesday night with a win at Connah’s Quay Nomads.
TNS came into the game seeking a record extending 12th win in the tournament after holding the trophy for the last two years.
They boasted a 29 point cushion over Barry in the league.
But the Barry spirit and style shine through and twice they exploited loose play by TNS to bag their goals – and almost a third.
Owen's brace took his goal tally for the season in all competitions to 16, while goalkeeper Joe Thomas ended the tournament without having conceded a goal in the last four rounds.
“To score two goals to win the game is nice after a couple of tough months. The club has been great since I joined,” said Owen, who joined the Linnetts two seasons ago from Afan Lido.
“I didn’t know it had been 23 years since they last won a trophy. To win it for everyone at the club, especially the supporters, is very nice.”
Owen struck first in the 43rd minute when he met a low cross from the right by Michael George and steered it past Jack Edwards.
That goal began with Robbie Willmott stealing the ball from two TNS players at a throw in and passing on to Ollie Hulbert. He played the ball down the line to George, who picked out Owen perfectly.
Owen would have had a second had it not been for a full length save from Edwards that tipped an across goal shot inches past the right-hand post.
It took a similar effort at the other end from Barry keeper Joe Thomas to deny Ben Clark in the 82nd minute.
Then Owen struck again as the clock ticked over into the red.
This time he hassled Dan Williams out of possession and merely lashed the loose ball in to the back of the net from 20 yards out to secure a fifth Nathaniel MG Cup title for Barry.
There was an unfortunate end to the game when referee Rob Jenkins was forced to issue red cards to Barry’s Callum Sainty and TNS’s Rory Holden.
A bitterly disappointed TNS boss, Craig Harrison, was critical of his players after the game.
“We were honest in the dressing room - too many players weren’t good enough,” said Harrison.
“You can't turn up for any cup final, or any game, and have six, seven or maybe eight players not play to the best of their ability.
"We weren’t good enough - especially in the first half - and then got done on the counterattack in the second.
“Congratulations to Barry, they deserved to win on the day."
