Manager hails TNS hero after Wrexham win as key detail emerges
Fiona Barry was The New Saints' match-winner agai. (Pic by Nik Mesney/FAW)
Kieran Lee-Birch says The New Saints are “so lucky” to have Fiona Barry after the forward produced another match-winning display against Wrexham.
Barry scored twice, including a dramatic stoppage-time winner, as TNS claimed a 3-2 victory over the reigning Adran Premier champions at The Rock.
The result moved Lee-Birch’s side three points clear at the top of the table, but the manager reserved his biggest praise for Barry after she once again delivered when her team needed her most.
“I’m just so excited. I feel like I’ve won the lottery,” Lee-Birch said to the official club media.
“The team have been incredible today. I’m so proud.
“Every week we talk about her. She’s a match-winner. How rare is it to find a footballer who, every time, does it in a big moment?”
TNS had spotted Lucy Farrell detail before kick-off
Barry’s first goal was not simply a moment of inspiration.
The forward revealed the team had studied Wrexham goalkeeper Lucy Farrell and noticed she regularly came off her line.
When Barry intercepted the ball midway inside the Wrexham half, she saw Farrell was once again positioned away from her goal and decided to take advantage.
“We’ve seen clips; she does come off her line quite a bit,” Barry said.
“I saw it, and thought I may as well try it. Thankfully it went in the back of the net so it was a good start to the game.”
It was an audacious attempt from around 35 yards, but Barry got the execution right to give TNS the lead.
Her comments also underline the preparation that went into a result which could have major implications at the top of the Adran Premier.
‘We’re so lucky’ to have a player who delivers in big moments
Lee-Birch believes Barry’s ability to produce in decisive moments is something that is incredibly difficult to find in the women’s game.
The TNS boss also highlighted the commitment required from Barry, who travels from Yeovil to play for the club.
“They’re impossible to find. We’re so lucky,” he said.
“Her commitment travelling from Yeovil. The family is all in. She’s our hero today.”
Barry’s second goal made that assessment look even more fitting.
After Wrexham had fought back from 2-0 down to draw level, the forward stepped up again in the fourth minute of stoppage time, finding the top corner from around 25 yards.
It was the second consecutive week she had scored a stoppage-time winner for TNS.
Barry says TNS never stopped believing the winner would come
For Barry, the dramatic nature of the victory was a reflection of the character within the TNS squad.
The Saints had surrendered their two-goal advantage but refused to accept that the opportunity to beat Wrexham had gone.
“The team is unreal,” Barry said.
“Honestly, the togetherness we’ve shown today. It’s never ideal going two-nil up and then going to two-all.
“We never gave up, and the winner was coming.”
The winner duly arrived from Barry, sending The Rock into silence and taking TNS three points clear at the summit on 15 points.
