Connah’s Quay Nomads 1-0 Barry Tow United: Wilde’s nets half-century to claim narrow win

Connah’s Quay maintained their title push as they narrowly defeated Barry Town United 1-0 in the Cymru Premier.

Michael Wilde headed home from a Declan Poole cross in the 22nd minute to give the Nomads the lead and to ultimately win the game.

It was a fairly dominant performance from the Nomads, especially in the first half. Barry came into the game more in the second half, and towards the dying embers of the game. They forced Oliver Byrne into making some fine stops as he saved his side.

This result doesn’t see any change in the league standings, but the Nomads continue to remain equal on points with TNS.

Two losses in a row for Barry sees them nine points behind third-place Bala Town.

A chance, a penalty shout, and a goal-line clearance all came in the 10th minute. Danny Davies beat his man with some great skill down the left, and managed to find Wilde with a cross.

Wilde’s header looked to have struck the arm of a Barry Town player, and then Declan Poole’s shot from the rebound was cleared off the line. The Nomads shouted at the referee for a penalty but nothing was given.

Danny Holmes was forced off through injury and was replaced by Aron Williams.

Wilde put the ball in the net for the first time but was disallowed. Davies had been judged to have ran the ball out of play before crossing.

The hosts should’ve taken the lead through Michael Wilde. Aron Williams’ shot was palmed away by Mike Lewis, and Wilde sliced the rebound well wide of the post.

It only took another minute for the Nomads to take the lead, as Wilde headed home superbly from Poole’s curling cross.

Wilde’s goal was his 50th in the Cymru Premier as a Connah’s Quay Nomads player after making the move from The New Saints.

A penalty was given to the Nomads as Davies was brought down whilst shooting on goal. Callum Morris stepped up to take the penalty, but the Nomads captain struck the post. A golden opportunity to double their lead – missed.

Barry had their first real chance on goal. Nat Jarvis played Clayton Green in down the left, and his shot had enough power, but not enough precision as it curled away from goal.

The Nomads dominated the early stages of the first half. They sent a variety of crosses into the Barry Town box, but Mike Lewis dealt with most of them very well.

Most of the play was in midfield for the second half, as the Nomads sat back and allowed Barry to attack. The visitors struggled to get any clear chances on goal up until the last quarter. A long throw was sent into the Nomads box, and Jarvis’ chipped effort dribbled just wide of the post.

Jarvis attempted a bicycle kick but couldn’t quite get a strong connection with the ball.

Jamie Bird then had three opportunities for Barry as they sought a late goal.

The first was laid off by substitute Evan Press, and Bird’s effort from the edge of the box was blocked well by the Nomads. His effort in the 85th minute was a first-time volley from the edge of the box, which went close, but ultimately wide of the post. His final effort was a long-distance shot, which Oliver Byrne dealt with easily.

The visitors’ best opportunity came through Jarvis with just a few minutes remaining. Bird sent a curling cross into the box, and Jarvis’ power header was fantastically stopped by Oliver Byrne. A top save which ensured the Nomads kept their lead intact.

Callum Morris had a chance to double the Nomads’ lead in the last second. The hosts countered through Wilde, who’s square ball found Morris, but his effort struck the post.

Connah’s Quay Nomads: Oliver Byrne (GK), John Disney, John Hunt, George Horan (C), Danny Harrison, Callum Morris, Michael Wilde, Neil Danns (Aeron Edwards 63’), Declan Poole, Danny Holmes (Aron Williams 13’), Danny Davies

Goals: Mike Wilde 22’

Yellow cards: Mike Wilde 63’, Neil Danns 63’

Barry Town United: Mike Lewis (GK), Chris Hugh (Kyle Patten 65’), Luke Cooper (C), Robbie Patten (Evan Press 65’), Nat Jarvis, David Cotterill, Luke Cummings, Curtis Jemmett-Hutson (Rhys Kavanagh 65’), Curtis McDonald, Clayton Green, Jamie Bird

Yellow cards: Nat Jarvis 45’, Bird 54’, Jemmett-Hutson 64’, Cotterill 66’

Recap the action from the Deeside Stadium by reading through the game as-it-happened: