Connah’s Quay Nomads midfielder Mel Barlow says the club ‘are ready for a new challenge’ as they attempt to win promotion to the Genero Adran Premier.
]The Nomads were crowned Genero Adran North champions for the second consecutive season and also went invincible once again by going unbeaten in their 12 league matches. Now their attentions turn to the Promotion Play-Off against Cardiff Met at Park Avenue on Sunday (KO 14:30).
Jordan Parry’s side led 2-0 against Pontypridd United in last season’s Play-Off, but a late collapse resulted in a 3-2 defeat.
The nature of that heartbreak still lingers around the club, but Barlow believes the experience has better prepared the squad for another opportunity to reach the top-flight.
Genero Adran Leagues Promotion Play-Off
“Losing the Play-Off still idles around us and promotion is something we do not want to miss out on again,” she said. “We are all driven and motivated to achieve promotion this time around. There is a different feeling within the team and that goes down to the commitment and determination of our group.
“Already having the experience of being in a Play-Off final will help us. We know what position we are in and know what we need to do to get the job done.”
High-scoring wins and dominant performances were a common factor in Connah’s Quay’s title win last season, including the concession of only six goals. However, the Nomads have had to overcome more adversity this time around despite going invincible again.
Parry, who is in his fifth season in charge of the club, has often emphasised the importance of his side facing tougher challenges this season, believing those moments have helped strengthen the squad.
Perhaps the best example of where Connah’s Quay have triumphed in a tough environment is their 3-2 win over Llanfair United in March, where they were down to 10 players for over an hour but proved their quality to claim all three points. All three goals came via set-piece deliveries from Barlow, who made her first league start of the season that day.
“We are doing the same thing as what we have done all season and with our league now finished, that allows us to put all our focus onto the Play-Off final,” Barlow said. “This season as a whole is completely different to the last with the squad, players and change in home pitch.
“When things have not gone our way this season, we have been able to adapt as a squad and overcome the hurdles put in front of us. Jordan (Parry) always says ‘the most important game is the next one’ and the work he and the staff have put in has enabled us to stay focused and grounded when coming up against different obstacles each week.
“Lifting the title again and going two seasons unbeaten is an immense achievement in itself. All the girls and staff have worked extra hard this season as it was our title we had to fight to retain. The dedication and determination of the team is what has made this extra special.”
The sense of belief to go one step further this season is strengthened by the experience within the squad, including Barlow and defender Tia Lockley, who featured for The New Saints in the top-flight. Former Wrexham midfielder Libby Mackenzie also brings valuable experience having played her part in securing promotion through the Play-Off with the Red Dragons three years ago.
With players who understand what it takes to succeed on this stage, the Nomads head into Sunday believing they are well equipped to make the step up. The Nomads have won a trophy in every season during Parry’s five-year tenure, but promotion would be the icing on the cake.
“Promotion would mean absolutely everything to me and this team,” said Barlow. “When I first joined the club three years ago, it was a goal that we all wanted to achieve. Promotion is something we all deserve and we are all ready for a new challenge in the Genero Adran Premier.
“As well as this, it would mean so much to the club due to Jordan’s hard work of creating and developing our Girls Player Development Centre, which goes to show we are not only trying to do this for us, but also for the next generation of girls who all aspire to play Genero Adran Premier football.
“We know what needs to be done and we are all looking forward to the occasion.”
