Nomads best Barry in home victory

Connah’s Quay Nomads recorded a 3-0 win over Barry Town United on Saturday afternoon in their penultimate game of phase one.

Callum Morris scored on 40 minutes, with Michael Wilde and Declan Poole getting on the score sheet in the 64th and 81st minute.

• Morris sent Nomads ahead in first half
• Wilde and Poole secured the win in the second half
• Andy Owens made his Nomads debut
• The result puts The Nomads second in the table

The Nomads went into the game off the back of a 1-1 draw against Cefn Druids, while there was much riding on the game for Barry Town, who came to Deeside for the first time in 14 years chasing top six qualification.

Andy Morrison’s men, who had already qualified for the top six but chasing second place and Europe, saw Declan Poole and Joe Heath return to the starting eleven, with new signing Andy Owens starting from the bench.  Barry Town, who came to Deeside in need of all three points, started target men Kayne McLaggon and Louis Gerrard.

The first real chance of the game went to The Nomads, as a Michael Bakare cross glanced across the face of the Barry goal and was narrowly missed by Michael Wilde at the back post.

The Nomads looked to take control of the game as they forced set pieces, with a corner in the 13th minute being sent towards goal by George Horan, who had his shot saved by goalkeeper Joe Massaro.

Michael Bakare looked dangerous for The Nomads, as a number of his corner kicks swung close to the Barry goal.

Barry Town had a good chance when Louis Gerrard broke through on goal, but his low effort from 15 yards out was saved well by John Danby.

Just as the first half looked like it might end goalless thanks to both sides’ organisational set ups, Callum Morris made the break through when he sent a well-placed header in from six yards out, assisted by a great ball from Joe Heath.

In the second half, The Nomads sought a second goal, and nearly doubled their lead in the 52nd minute when a goalmouth scramble from a corner saw The Nomads claim a goal twice, but referee Richard Harrington ruled the ball had not crossed the line on both occasions.

Michael Wilde made no mistake over 10 minutes later, as he rose highest in the Barry area to convert a Michael Bakare corner kick in the 64th minute.  Sgorio cameras may be able to confirm whether the goalscorer was indeed Michael Wilde or if George Horan got the final touch.

Jake Phillips then came on for The Nomads, replacing Callum Morris who helped the home side control the game for the midfield.

It was Phillips’ fellow full timer, Declan Poole, who got The Nomads third and final goal in the 81st minute.  Poole intercepted a Barry defender and raced away from a chasing pack of green shirts to slot low into the bottom right corner.

As The Nomads comfortably saw out the remainder of the game, Andy Morrison handed a debut to Andy Owens who replaced his striking partner, Michael Wilde. The Nomads’ final change saw Matty Owen come on in place of Jay Owen.

The result sends The Nomads back into second place in the JD Welsh Premier League after a thoroughly professional performance to start the New Year.

The Nomads' next game is their final Phase One fixture, as they travel to Park Avenue to face Aberystwyth Town for a 5:15pm kick off on Saturday 13th January.

Match Photos

Match Report by Will Catterall