Unbeaten run comes to an end after Barry defeat

Connah's Quay Nomads saw their 17-match unbeaten streak in the JD Cymru Premier come to an end after a late 1-0 defeat to Barry Town United at Jenner Park on Saturday afternoon.

The Nomads enjoyed some bright spells throughout the contest, but it was the hosts who claimed all three points through Ollie Hulbert's close-range header in the first  minute of second half stoppage-time. 

Ben Nash thought he had found an immediate equaliser for the Nomads when he poked the ball over George Ratcliffe, but the linesman's flag was raised for offside. 

The Nomads remain 10 points clear in second-place and the automatic European qualification spots, but John Disney and his side will be eager for a response in the coming weeks. 

Team News 

Harry Franklin returned from his two-month injury to partner Rhys Hughes and Max Woodcock in attack, while Marco Fregapane also made his first start in 2026. Jason Oswell was welcomed back onto the bench, likewise was young Steven Gerrard Academy scholar Conor Partridge. 

Barry manager Andy Legg named an unchanged starting lineup from his side's 2-0 win at Caernarfon Town last time out. Former Connah's Quay goalkeeper George Ratcliffe and Ben Margetson - brother of Kit Margetson - were both in that lineup. 

First Half      

Barry had a glorious chance to test Margetson early on when the ball was moved across to Mikey George,  whose first-time strike towards the top corner from just inside the area flew narrowly wide. 

Margetson was eventually called into action in the 23rd minute when Ben Nash's pass back was intercepted by Ieuan Owen, who looked to round the goalkeeper, but was denied by a crucial hand of the Nomads No.1. 

The Nomads took firm control of the contest in the final 15 minutes of the first half with Woodcock seeing his effort from inside the area blocked before Hughes' powerful first-time strike from distance forced Ratcliffe into a fingertip save.  

Jacob Cook also had a sight of goal when he picked up the ball on the edge of the area, but he was also denied by Ratcliffe.

Second Half 

Neither side created any major opportunities in the opening stages of the second half, with the only notable action seeing Callum Bratley make an important block to prevent Robbie Willmott's low drive from testing Margetson.  

Disney turned to his bench for the first time in the 64th minute as Zeli Ismail replaced Franklin, who the Nomads were delighted to see back on the pitch after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Barry went close to the opening goal as two minutes later as Owen played an inviting through ball into the area which ricocheted off Hulbert's knee and bounced inches wide of the bottom corner. 

The Nomads continued to move the ball into some dangerous areas, but were unable to put any shots beyond the reach of Ratcliffe, who comfortably held onto low efforts from Hughes and Bratley. 

Dan Roberts came off the bench to make his 100th JD Cymru Premier appearance as he replaced James Jones. Jack Kenny, Jason Oswell and Freddie Redshaw were also introduced in place of Hughes, Woodcock and Cook. 

Two of those introductions nearly combined for a clear-cut chance late on when Kenny's cross was cleared at the last second before it could reach an unmarked Oswell lurking near the penalty spot. 

The Nomads were hoping to head home with another clean sheet in South Wales, but unfortunately that was not to be the case as the hosts took the lead in the 91st minute through Hulbert, who met George's cross inside the six-yard box and found the net with his downwards header. 

Nash thought he had levelled the scoreline for the Nomads just 90 seconds later when he ran onto Abdi Sharif's hooked pass and lifted the ball over Ratcliffe, but the flag on the far side was raised for offside, adding to the frustrations. 

The Nomads see their club record 17-match unbeaten run in the league come to an end, but there is no ground lost on second-place, and Disney's side continue to sit 10 points clear of third-place Penybont. 

What's Next? 

We return to action on Tuesday, 3 March as The New Saints visit the Essity Stadium (7:45pm KO) in an exciting clash between the JD Cymru Premier's top two sides. 

We'll be hoping to strengthen our hopes of automatic European qualification, so stay tuned to our social media channels for all the build-up to this fixture, including supporter information for the Essity Stadium. 

Both sides traded blows in Phase One as Saints claimed a 3-0 win in August before the Nomads gained revenge with a memorable 3-1 triumph on New Year's Eve, which included Callum West's goal of the season contender. 

For those of you who are unable to attend this fixture, the match will be broadcast on Sgorio's online platforms. 

Match Report by Adam Angerer