22nd February
Sam Durrant’s 90th minute goal sealed a 2-0 victory for Connah’s Quay as Phase 2 of the Cymru Premier heats up.
Andy Legg made one change as his side looked to make it six games unbeaten, January signing Owen Cuddihy replaced Michael George in the starting lineup, earning his first start or the club.
The Town started the game brightly, Ollie Hulbert saw his effort bounce off the crossbar in the fourth minute, teammate Evan Press did well to keep the ball alive at the byline and found the unmarked forward at the edge of the box.
In the 31st minute Robbie Willmott’s whipped corner kick threatened the Nomads, but it was well cleared by Kai Edwards to stop the Town taking the advantage.
Both sides found it difficult to settle into the match with minimal efforts on goal until the visitor’s opener, in the 41st minute Declan Poole made space on the right edge of the box and found unmarked teammate Noah Edwards, who slotted the ball past Liam Armstrong.
Dan Roberts was cautioned for a strong challenge on Ryan Kavanagh as tempers started to flair between both sets of players, moments later Callum Sainty was forced to come off the pitch with a non-contact injury, who received a flood of applause as he headed to the dressing room.
Kayne McLaggon saw his chance go narrowly wide of the post in the 55th minute, he managed to wriggle his way into the box from the right wing, at a tight angle his effort found the side netting to his frustration.
In the 63rd minute, Connah’s Quay looked to build on their lead through Max Woodcock, quick team play ended with his strike fizzing past the post. Minutes later, an identical shot hit the woodwork, causing chaos in the box, with Barry just managing to the clear the danger.
Armstrong was called into action in the 72nd minute, following a fast break, Sam Durrant’s was fed through by Rhys Hughes, his right footed attempt was blocked by the body of Armstrong to keep the Town in the match.
Barry upped the intensity in a bid to level the score but a brilliant double save by George Ratcliffe, with ten minutes left to play, denied the striking partnership of Ieuan Owen and Ollie Hulbert from close range to keep their lead untouched.
With seconds left to play the Town almost halved the deficit, Owen found space up the right wing and charged forward with the ball, supported by Hulbert, who Owen found with a cute pass, his first time strike was blocked by Ben Nash to seal a vital win for the visitors and prevent a last-minute comeback by the Town.
Barry Town turns their attention to Briton Ferry Llansawel with a trip away on Friday the 7th March, 7:45pm kick off.