JD Cymru Premier: Connah’s Quay Nomads 1 Barry Town United 2

An 89th minute winner from Ollie Hulbert earned Barry three points away at Connah’s Quay Nomads last Saturday, writes Ian Johnson.

Town came from behind to win the game, with a competitive debut for 17-year old Academy goalkeeper, Luke Masrani, as substitute, replacing injured first choice, Liam Armstrong, after half an hour.

Nomads, who were Cymru Premier runners-up last season, had the better of the first half and should have taken the lead, but Jack Kenny fired over from close range after 16 minutes.

Ten minutes later, a Noah Edwards shot for Nomads cannoned off the inside of the post. 

After Barry’s enforced goalkeeping change, the  home side took the lead in the 40th minute when Fumpa Mwandwe’s low cross from the left gave Kenny an easy finish.

Just before the break, Nomads keeper George Ratcliffe was forced to save from Hulbert.

Barry equalised ten minutes after the break. 

Good interplay from Mikey George and Eliot Richards released Hulbert in the penalty area and he squeezed his shot past Nomads’ keeper, Ratcliffe, from the tightest of angles.

Barry then took the game by the scruff of the neck.

Sam Snaith saw his effort saved by Ratcliffe, while Ben Margetson’s shot went just wide.

At the other end, Masrani tipped a Rhys Hughes free-kick over the bar.

Barry came close to taking the lead in the 76th minute with the Nomads goal leading a charmed life, and Town hitting the bar, with other shots blocked in the six yard box.

Town’s winner came in the 89th minute. 

A backpass to Ratcliffe invited a challenge from Hulbert, and while Ratcliffe stopped the first shot from the edge of the box, Hulbert’s second opportunity was the match-winner.

Well beaten away at Nomads last year, these were a welcome three points for Steve Jenkins’s team.

Barry are on their travels again next Saturday, facing The New Saints in Oswestry (kick off 2:30pm).