BEN MAHER has definitely put his hand up to be involved in a crucial spell for Connah’s Quay Nomads!

Billy Paynter’s side are well in the mix for a top-six finish following a testing start to the campaign and they can take another big stride towards their target with a positive outcome at Barry Town United tomorrow.

A 1-0 win over Cardiff Met last time out moved Nomads to within two points of sixth-placed Caernarfon Town in the standings and a fifth league win of the season was signed, sealed and delivered by Maher’s stunning half-volley from 20 yards out.

In a post on X, manager Paynter said: “A massive goal and performance by Ben Maher - he’s been champing at the bit and that is one way to prove to me he needs to be in the side.

“We’ve got a big week of training rolling into another tough trip away to Barry Town.”

Goalscorer Maher told S4C’s Sgorio: “To be fair, I had a few in the first half. Fluffed my lines and then it’s just fell nicely, and I’ve just caught it sweet and, luckily, it’s gone in.

“I think there was a defender on the line and it was close to him.

“So, wasn’t sure if he was going to block it or not. But, yeah, it’s gone in!”

Nomads go to Gresford Athletic in the FAW Reserves North East League tomorrow.

They are three points behind leaders The New Saints, who head to NFA.

Third-placed Flint Mountain are in action tonight at home to Airbus.

Tomorrow’s other fixtures: Buckley Town v Llay Welfare; Denbigh Town v St Asaph; Mold Alex v Holywell Town.