Barry Town United bowed out of the Nathaniel MG Cup following a 2-1 semi final defeat to The New Saints.
A determined and gutsy performance saw Steve Jenkins' men push the holders all the way at Jenner Park on Sunday evening.
But Craig Harrison's side, navigating a busier-than-usual season due to their European commitments, held out to reach another showpiece and end Barry's hopes of a first final in the competition since 2017.
The hosts, returning to action after a three-week break, made two changes from the side that beat Connah's Quay in the Cymru Premier on November 9th - with captain Kayne McLaggon returning to the starting XI, alongside Ryan Kavanagh.
Kick off was held up for 50 minutes due to tailbacks caused by a road collision on the outskirts of town.
But once it finally got underway, the visitors enjoyed the brighter start with Leo Smith's long range strike comfortably going over the crossbar.
Mikey George came to Barry's aid when he nodded away Blaine Hudson's effort off the line, while Evan Press made a similar move to deny Adrian Cieslewicz.
But the Saints' pressure told when on 22 minutes, another Smith effort struck the crossbar from Leo Rees's fingertips, before the Barry keeper blocked the follow-up from Adam Wilson. But Rees was unable to prevent Declan McManus from tucking home the ball to put the visitors in front.
The striker put TNS 2-up on 36 minutes following some neat build-up from Josh Pask and Adam Wilson, who picked out McManus to deliver a clinical finish past Rees.
Josh Yorwerth came closest to a reply for the hosts, but his header was saved comfortably by visiting keeper Connor Roberts.
But if the cup holders had it their way in the first half, then Barry would have other ideas after the break.
The through ball from Robbie Willmott 🤌
— JD Cymru Leagues 🏴 (@CymruLeagues) December 1, 2024
The composure from Kayne Mclaggon 🥶@BarryTownUnited | #NathanielMGCup
pic.twitter.com/0RSxLBanoH
After a slow start, the flashpoint came on 55 minutes as Robbie Willmott caught out the defence with a superb throughball, which was played through to McLaggon, who cooly rounded the TNS keeper before slotting home to bring Barry back into the cup tie.
The hosts came close to restoring parity when sub Ieuan Owen hit the post, before his on-target follow up was narrowly cleared off the line by Pask.
The Saints found themselves under growing pressure as Barry threw the proverbial kitchen sink in their search for an equaliser - but the holders held firm as Barry's cup run came to an end after the hardest of fights fought.
TNS go onto face Aberystwyth, who knocked out Cardiff City's under 21s on penalties following a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
But with cup hopes at an end for another season, Barry can now focus solely on their strong prospects for a top six finish in the Cymru Premier as they navigate the run-in to the league split.
First up is next Saturday's televised trip to Bala Town, followed seven days later by another trip to Gwynedd for their rearranged clash with Caernarfon.
Bombers' bonus point chase falls short
Barry hold Briton Ferry to goalless draw
Llantwit held to Baglan stalemate
Uncertain future for 10k races
‘Long way to go’ for crisis-hit WRU
Old Pens beat Bombers in youth cup derby
Barry hold Swans to last-minute draw
Ioan earns Llantwit last-gasp draw
Young Bombers qualify for Premiership Cup
Wales squad named for play-off final
Murray scores and saves in Welsh Cup thriller
Bombers' woes continue at Llanharan
Llantwit bow out of Fenix Trophy
