Play-Off hopes come to an end in Barry defeat

The Nomads' European play-off hopes in the JD Cymru Premier came to an end following a 2-0 loss to Barry Town United at the Essity Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Nomads started on the front foot, but the visitors took the lead against the run of play thanks to Ben Margetson’s header.

Just moments after Max Woodock had a goal ruled out for offside, Barry doubled their lead through Ieuan Owen’s close-range finish.

Margetson was sent off for a second bookable offence with 10 minutes to play, but the Nomads were unable to find a way back into the match.

The result means our only pathway to Europe is by winning next month’s JD Welsh Cup final against The New Saints for the second season running.

Team News
The only change to the Nomads’ starting line up saw Chris Marriott make his return from suspension, replacing the absent Jack Kenny. There were also moments to savour for academy duo Miller Smith and Riley Foster, who were named in the senior matchday squad for the first time.

Barry manager Andy Legg also made just one change as Margetson replaced Ellis Williams in defence.

First Half
The first real chance of the match fell to Callum Bratley, who shaped himself for a volley on the edge of the area, but saw his effort fly wide of the near post.

Woodcock also went close to the opening goal as his fierce strike from a tight angle curled inches wide of the top corner.

Despite dominating the early stages of the contest, it would be Barry who broke the deadlock on 19 minutes as Margetson headed home from Robbie Willmott’s free-kick delivery.

The Nomads immediately searched for an equaliser and continued to enjoy the majority of possession. Rhys Hughes, who remains firmly in the race for the JD Cymru Premier golden boot, tried to add another stunning goal to his collection this season, but his audacious volley from distance looped narrowly over.

Second Half
Trailing ahead of the restart meant it was time for an attacking change as Sri Lankan international Sam Durrant came on for Kris Owens.

Ben Nash nearly outwitted Barry goalkeeper Liam Armstrong when his cross-turned-shot looped goalwards, but Armstrong made a fingertip save to keep his side in front.

Some impressive footwork from Hughes led to another opportunity on the hour mark as his cross from the byline fell all the way through to Noah Edwards, who saw his low drive saved by Armstrong.

Woodcock thought he found the leveller when he received John Disney’s pass, turned and beautifully curled home into the top corner, however, the teenager was denied by the offside flag.

Woodcock was soon replaced by Fumpa Mwandwe, but there was instantly more frustration for the Nomads as Barry opened up a two-goal cushion thanks to Ieuan Owen, who volleyed home at the near post from Mikey George’s cross.

Margetson was sent off for the visitors in the 79th minute after a late challenge on Fumpa just outside the area. Hughes stepped up to take the resulting free-kick, but he could only curl over the bar.

Armstrong came up clutch for Barry once more as he kept out Bratley’s header from Hughes’ pinpoint cross.

Aron Williams and Dan Roberts were both introduced in the closing stages, but there was to be no comeback, seeing our play-off hopes come to an end.

What’s Next?
The Nomads conclude their JD Cymru Premier campaign away to Aberystwyth Town at Park Avenue on Saturday, 19 April. Please note the slightly earlier 12:45pm kick-off time.

The Nomads will be trying to build momentum heading into May’s JD Welsh Cup final against The New Saints at Rodney Parade.

Match Photos

Match Report by Adam Angerer