Match Preview | Barry Town United vs Connah’s Quay Nomads | 13.04.25
By Archie Tooth
Barry Town hit the road for the final time this campaign with a trip to Connah’s Quay on Sunday.
The Town looks to extend its lead at the top of the relegation playoff, currently five points clear of this weekend’s opponents, who sit on 41 points.
With playoff football at stake, a draw or better would see Barry clinch a spot in the post-season tournament, making European football the ultimate prize. A feat not reached since the 2003/04 season.
Recent Form
The Town come into their penultimate fixture off the back of three wins in five games.
A notable 4-3 stoppage time win over Briton Ferry Llansawel AFC back in early March propelled the side into an action-packed month, earning wins over Aberystwyth Town (2-1) and most recently Newtown (2-1).
Our opposition overcame Llanelli in the semifinals of the FAW Welsh Cup in mid-March as they were on a four-game unbeaten streak; before Briton Ferry edged them out in a tight 1-0 win just before the turn of the month.
Key Players
Forward Ieuan Owen had an impressive March for the Town, where he scored four and assisted two, rightfully shortlisting himself for the Cymru Premier Player of the Month award.
Speaking on his form, Ieuan Owen said: “I’ve been really impressed with myself if I’m being honest.
“It’s gone from me not playing much to starting, and I knew that once I’d get the opportunity, I could show what I’m capable of.”
Rhys Hughes has been the Nomads’ star player this campaign, tied first in the race for the Golden Boot with 14 goals.
Barry’s Ollie Hulbert is sat just one behind the midfielder in the race, who’s poised to claim the individual award come the end of the season.
Last Time Out
In the reverse fixture, the Town fell to a 2-0 defeat at Jenner Park, Noah Edwards broke the deadlock just before the interval, with teammate Sam Durrant adding a second in the 91st minute.
Phase One of the Cymru Premier saw the Town claim the league double over Connah’s Quay, a 2-1 win away in early September, before a thrilling 3-2 win at home in November.
Stats Spotlight
Since his arrival to the Town, wingback Owen Cuddihy has notched four assists in five starts for the club, three of which came in the memorable comeback win over Ferry.
Forward Ollie Hulbert netted both goals in our 2-1 away win against Connah’s Quay in September, both coming in the second half.
Liam Armstrong has 12 consecutive starts for Barry between the sticks, in that time he has registered two clean sheets.
Connah’s Rhys Hughes netted twice in their 3-2 defeat to the Town in early November, scoring in the 58th and 85th minute.