Nomads outdone by Hulbert double as Barry snatch late win

Billy Paynter’s first home match in charge of The Nomads ended in defeat as Barry Town United came from behind to snatch a 2-1 win at the Essity Stadium.

The Nomads were ahead at the break as Jack Kenny netted his first goal of the season, but an equaliser early in the second half from Ollie Hulbert sparked the visitors into life.

Hulbert then gave Barry all three in stoppage time as he intercepted Noah Edwards’ wayward pass and found the bottom corner once again despite the best efforts of George Ratcliffe to avert the danger.

Team News
Billy Paynter had every reason to name the same starting lineup that defeated Briton Ferry Llansawel 5-1 last weekend. The only changes came on the bench as Elliott Dugan returned following a short absence while academy talent Dan Flanders was named in the senior squad for the first time in his Nomads career.

Barry boss Steve Jenkins made two changes to his side that defeated Flint Town United 3-2 last weekend as Sam Snaith and Rhys Schwank replaced Ieuan Owen and Harrison Bright, who were both named on the bench.

First Half
The first real chance of the match fell to Fumpa Mwandwe, who as per usual, danced his way past a number of defenders and found space for a shot, however his effort was blocked at the last second before it could test Liam Armstrong.

Barry probably should have taken the lead on 13 minutes as a low ball across the face of goal managed to find its way through to Sam Snaith, who somehow was not able to find the net from around eight yards out.

The chances kept on coming for both sides, the most notable coming from Jack Kenny, who steered the ball over the top from close range from a pacy low drive from Rhys Hughes.

Noah Edwards was next to go close for The Nomads as he picked up a loose ball from Rhys Hughes’ initial cross and fired towards goal, but his powerful strike was denied by the post.

Barry were forced into their first change of the match on the half hour mark as goalkeeper Liam Armstrong was unable to continue with play following an injury arising from striking a free kick. Armstrong was replaced by 17-year-old Luke Masrani, who came on for his senior debut for the Linnets.

The Nomads were adamant they should have been given a penalty on 37 minutes following a foul on Noah Edwards, but the referee instantly dismissed the appeals, which came to the frustration of Billy Paynter’s side. Chris Marriott was booked for dissent following the referee’s decision.

However, the mood quickly changed as Jack Kenny grabbed the opening goal five minutes before the interval. Rhys Hughes spotted Fumpa in space down the left hand side, which allowed Fumpa to put the ball on a plate for Kenny, who found the net at full stretch for his first goal of the season.

Second Half
Rhys Hughes continued to pose an attacking threat and our summer signing almost made it two when his audacious effort flew inches over the crossbar.

After a bright start to the second half, The Nomads were suddenly pegged back as Ollie Hulbert equalised. Substitute Eliot Richards laid the ball off to Hulbert, who was able to squeeze his effort from a tight angle beyond Ratcliffe.

The Nomads freshened things up in attack as goalscorer Jack Kenny was replaced by Luca Hogan.

Our lead was almost restored in the 65th minute as Hughes’ corner sailed all the way through to the back post where Fumpa was lurking. Fumpa was able to connect with the ball, but his volley was saved by Masrani.

Straight up the other end, Ben Williams-Margetson had a glorious chance to put Barry ahead. The ball fell kindly to Press in the midst of a goalmouth scramble, but the Barry captain could only fire wide of the far corner.

The Nomads were suddenly on the back foot as Barry continued to apply pressure on the counter-attack. It seemed inevitable that Sam Snaith would test Ratcliffe when he controlled a long ball into the area, but an important block from Kai Edwards kept the scoreline level.

Two more changes for The Nomads arrived with around 15 minutes left to play as Dan Roberts and Tyler Berry came on for Fumpa Mwandwe and Aron Williams.

Ratcliffe was forced into action again as he made arguably one of the saves of the season with 80 minutes on the clock. Josh Yorwerth’s header from Keenan Patten’s cross looked destined for the net, but Ratcliffe showed superb reflexes to keep the effort out.

The ball was not fully cleared, leading to a game of pinball inside the area, which saw Williams-Margetson’s effort from close range thunder against the post before The Nomads eventually put the ball to safety following a crazy 10 seconds inside the area.

Just when it seemed both sides would share the points, Noah Edwards’ pass back towards Ratcliffe was intercepted by Hulbert, whose initial effort was saved by Ratcliffe, but the Barry forward was able to pick up the pieces and find the bottom corner once again to give the South Walians all three points.

What’s Next?
The Nomads are in action at the Essity Stadium again next weekend, looking for a return to winning ways following Saturday’s loss.

This time current league leaders Penybont make the long trip up to North Wales. We will face Bont on Sunday, 15 September with a 2:30pm scheduled kick off time.

Match Photos

Match Report by Adam Angerer