BILLY PAYNTER admitted the gamble didn’t pay off for his Connah’s Quay Nomads’ side at Barry Town United.

With the scoreline tied at 2-2 with less than five minutes left to play, Nomads were pressing for a winner against their hosts, but Ieuan Owen’s 88th minute strike settled things for Barry in a thrilling 3-2 outcome.

Manager Paynter told the club’s X site: “Today was a disappointing result after getting back into the game with two fantastic finishes from Rhys (Hughes).

“We were pushing for the winner and got caught late ourselves.

“One big positive to take from the game is the return of Callum Bratley who was fantastic when he came on.”

A topsy-turvy contest opened with Kayne McLaggon handing the hosts the lead midway through the opening period.

Within a minute of being booked, Hughes hauled Quay level in the 58th minute, while Owen’s effort with a quarter-of-an-hour remaining regained the lead for Barry.

Back came Nomads, though, and a brilliant free kick from Hughes hauled the visitors level once more with just four minutes on the clock.

Caernarfon Town strengthened their top-six aims courtesy of their crucial 1-0 success away to Briton Ferry Llansawel.

Darren Thomas’ first half goal settled it for the Canaries.

A thrilling encounter between Cardiff Met and Bala Town ended up 3-3.

Osebi Abadaki, Nathan Peate and Joe Malkin had the Lakesiders 3-1 up, but Jake Morris, Thomas Vincent and an own goal secured a point for the hosts.

Aberystwyth Town boosted their hopes of beating the drop with a 3-1 success against Newtown, who had Josh Lock on the scoresheet.

Niall Flint, Rico Patterson and Jonathan Evans fired Aber to only their third triumph of the campaign.

Just days after their latest European adventure, The New Saints fought back to defeat Haverfordwest County 2-1 thanks to efforts from Josh Pask and Ashley Baker. Ben Fawcett had handed County the lead.

On Thursday evening, Shamrock Rovers came from behind to beat TNS 2-1 in their Europa Conference League tie at Tallaght Stadium.

After Jordan Williams had given TNS a shock early lead in Dublin, Johnny Kenny soon equalised before in-form Dylan Watts turned the game around ahead of half-time.

Connah’s Quay Nomads missed the chance to go level on points with leaders TNS as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Gresford Athletic in the FAW Reserves North East League.

Elliot Rowland put Gresford, who later had Aron Jones sent off, ahead but Joseph Harrison hit Nomads’ leveller.

Flint Mountain keeper Harry Shannon was also red-carded in a 5-3 defeat at home to Airbus for whom Robbie Jones hit a hat-trick.

Joseph Badeeb, Cai Farrell and Theo Cole-Jones scored as Holywell Town beat Mold Alex 3-1 to put their opponents in the bottom spot.

Buckley Town and Llay Welfare drew 1-1 while Denbigh Town beat St Asaph City 3-2.