Barry Town United picked up a crucial 3-2 win over Connah's Quay Nomads as they look to secure a top six finish in the Cymru Premier.
A stunning solo effort from sub Ieuan Owen in the 89th minute handed Steve Jenkins' men a fourth victory from their last five league games in what could be one of the pivotal weekends of the season so far.
Three changes from the side beaten 4-1 by The New Saints saw Mikey George, Josh Beecher and player-of-the-month nominee Keenan Patten return to the starting XI, with Harrison Bright and Ryan Kavanagh dropping to the bench while Josh Yorwerth missed out.
Robbie Wilmott produced one of the earliest chances, with a low free kick from 24 yards out comfortably saved by Barry alumni George Ratcliffe.
But Jenkins was forced into two early changes - with Kavanagh brought onto replace Elliot Richards due to a slight strain, while Kayne McLaggon took over from Hulbert, who picked up an injury after he was upended by a Nomads defender.
The return of the Barry skipper sparked the game into life on 23 minutes, when some good build-up play allowed Sam Snaith to release the ball to McLaggon, before he teed up to slot home past Ratcliffe for his first league goal of the season.
The remainder of the half offered little of note from both sides - but Barry enjoyed a brighter restart after the break, with George's shot rebounding off the far post after a superb pass from Patten to beat the gathering scramble at the goalmouth.
But on 58 minutes, the Nomads drew level when Rhys Hughes poked home the ball from just inside the area past home keeper Luc Rees.
The hosts at Jenner Park were still creating most of the chances with McLaggon bringing out a comfortable save from Ratcliffe as he sought to make it a brace.
Then on 75 minutes, Kavanagh broke clear before putting the ball in behind for McLaggon, who pulled it back for the midfielder, whose follow up shot was deflected into the net by Ieuan Owen to retake the lead.
Barry's big team effort looked to have been undone in the 85th minute when Rhys Hughes' thunderous setpiece saw Connah's Quay restore level terms with his seventh goal of the season.
But just four minutes later, McLaggon linked up with Owen, who scissored his way past two Nomads defenders before poking the ball into an empty net for a dramatic winner and a sure fire goal-of-the-season contender.
Gôl unigol Ieuan Owen yn ennill y gêm i'r Barri 🔥
— Sgorio ⚽️ (@sgorio) November 9, 2024
Ieuan Owen's late solo goal seals all three points for Barry Town 🔥
Canlyniad: @BarryTownUnited 3-2 @the_nomads pic.twitter.com/r7a3l4qaio
Barry remain fifth in the table - but they are now level on points with near neighbours Cardiff Met, who could only draw 3-3 with Bala in a televised game at Cyncoed.
There's a two-week break in action due to the Welsh Cup - with Barry returning north to face fellow top six contenders Caernarfon on 23rd November.
JD Cymru Premier results
Aberystwyth Town 3-1 Newtown (Friday)
Barry Town United 3-2 Connah's Quay Nomads
Briton Ferry Llansawel 0-1 Caernarfon Town
Cardiff Met 3-3 Bala Town
Penybont 3-1 Flint Town United
The New Saints 2-1 Haverfordwest County (Sunday)
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