What we learned from Barry Town’s stalemate with Connah’s Quay Nomads

Jordan Cotterill is the spark for Barry Town

Despite the goalless affair, everything positive that Barry Town achieved in the game seemed to come through Jordan Cotterill.

The playmaker made a direct run into the Nomads’ box in the first half, resulting in a powerful drive at Connah’s Quay Nomads goalkeeper Lewis Brass.

Cotterill also had the Linnets’ best chance of the game, meeting Evan Press’ perfect cross from the left, only to head straight at Brass in the Nomads net.

In a game lacking clear-cut chances, Cotterill seemed the most likely to create a match-winning moment.

Both defences on top

On today’s performance, it comes as no surprise that both sides are amongst the top four in terms of fewest goals conceded so far this season.

Connah’s Quay Nomads have conceded five goals this campaign, an average of 0.6 per game, while Barry Town have let in 11, an average of 1.2 per match.

Both Mike Lewis and Lewis Brass were spectators for most of the game, which was testament to the defensive performances on show from both sides.

Key players missing

The absence of dangerous attacking players like Kayne McLaggon, Michael Wilde and Jamie Insall was clear and one could argue the game would not have ended goalless had they been present.

Barry Town striker Kayne McLaggon has five goals to his tally already this season, along with 13 in the previous campaign.

Nomads attackers Jamie Insall and Michael Wilde scored 15 goals between them last season and were paramount to Andy Morrison’s side’s league and cup success.

While both sides had strength-in-depth to call upon, all three missing attackers would certainly have added fire-power to their respective teams’ forward-line.

A promising debut for Sam Bowen

Having signed for Barry Town on loan from Cardiff City on Friday, Sam Bowen made his Linnets debut just a day later.

The playmaker made a lively start to his spell at Barry, constantly wanting the ball to make driving runs at the Nomads.

Bowen’s performance was similar to that of Jordan Cotterill, finding pockets of space to try and break down a rock-solid Connah’s Quay Nomads defence.

Despite failing to call Lewis Brass into action, Bowen’s Barry Town debut was one of promise.

(Featured Image: Mike James)