Jenkins reckons Barry will go into the final brimming with confidence after securing their first appearance in the competition’s showpiece since 2017.
Barry swept aside Cambrian United 3-0 in a composed semi-final display, earning a return date with the cup holders on Saturday 28 March — a repeat of the 2017 final, when TNS claimed a 4-0 victory.
But after a controlled and clinical performance away from home, Jenkins insisted his squad should relish the challenge ahead.
“You’ve got to be happy after winning 3-0 away from home in a cup semi-final. We did it quite comfortably, so I’m really pleased for the lads,” he said, praising both the result and the professionalism behind it.
“Cambrian made it really tough for us, so it was good from the boys to make it a professional performance."
A headed goal from Will Richards in first-half stoppage time put Barry ahead before Ollie Hulbert added a second soon after the break.
Ben Margetson’s 78th-minute finish settled the tie and secured a long-awaited return to a major final for the club.
Jenkins highlighted the discipline his team showed in difficult conditions.
“Away from home in conditions as they were it’s important you control the game, but we didn’t necessarily do that in possession.
“But I felt we kept our shape well and that made it difficult for them to break us down.”
With TNS chasing their 12th league cup triumph — and holding the title after lifting the trophy last year — Barry will go into the final as clear underdogs.
But Jenkins made it clear he sees opportunity, not intimidation.
“We know it’s going to be tough in the final against TNS, but it’s a one off game so who knows what can happen.”
The title holders advanced by beating Cymru North leaders Llandudno 2-1 at Park Hall, with first-half goals from Dan Williams and Jordan Williams — the latter’s 18th of the season — giving them control before Callum Stephens pulled one back.
It ensured TNS avoided the same fate as in Europe earlier this year, where they exited after just four matches, and in the Welsh Cup, where Cardiff Met knocked them out in the third round.
Barry’s last League Cup success came in 2000, when they brushed aside Bangor City 6-0.
Since then, TNS have dominated the competition, including their 2017 win over Barry, powered on that day by a Chris Sargeant hat-trick.
But Jenkins’ comments suggest the upcoming final will be approached with belief rather than trepidation.
Elsewhere in the JD Cymru Premier, Connah’s Quay Nomads climbed to second after a 2-1 win over Colwyn Bay, with Harry Franklin netting both goals to take his season tally to 12.
Cardiff Met took advantage of Colwyn Bay’s slip, cutting the gap with a late 2-1 comeback victory over Llanelli Town, while Haverfordwest County claimed a rare away win by beating Bala Town 2-0 — a result compounded by Nathan Burke’s red card for the hosts.
Flint Town United earned a point at Caernarfon Town courtesy of an 80th-minute equaliser from Jake Canavan, cancelling out Adam Davies’ 11th of the season for the home side.
