The Nomads suffered a cruel late defeat to The New Saints on the final day of the JD Cymru Premier, but there were still a number of positives to build on ahead of next weekend’s JD Welsh Cup Final against Saints.

After keeping Saints at bay with some excellent defending for the majority of the match, The Nomads were outdone in the 89th minute as Adrian Cieslewicsz sent a powerful strike into the roof of the net. The home side then doubled their lead shortly after as Kai Edwards turned Danny Redmond’s cross into his own net.

The Nomads proved to be a stern test for Saints, and Neil Gibson’s side will be hoping that they can put their chances away, as well as maintain their high performance levels and standard ahead of next week’s Welsh Cup Final.

Team News
Neil Gibson made four changes from The Nomads’ goalless draw with Bala Town last Friday as Jack Kenny, Declan Poole, Kai Edwards and Ryan Harrington all returned to the line up. There was also a landmark appearance for captain John Disney, who made his 250th competitive start for the club.

Saints manager Craig Harrison also made four changes as his side looked to build on their 5-0 victory over Cardiff Met last Saturday. Danny Davies returned from a short absence with Jordan Williams, Danny Redmond and Leo Smith also returning to the starting eleven.

The First Half
Both sides had early opportunities to take the lead at Park Hall as Jordan Davies’ powerful strike at the near post was blocked by Saints captain Chris Marriott. The hosts went straight up the other end and almost broke the deadlock through Jordan Williams, whose effort forced Andy Firth into a crucial save.

Arguably the best chance of the half fell to Harry Franklin as Andy Firth’s long ball upfield sailed over everyone and as a result, released Franklin through on goal, but although the attacker had Jordan Davies in acres of space to his right, Franklin decided to go for goal, which saw Connor Roberts make a diving save.

Franklin had another chance to open the scoring as he latched onto Jack Kenny’s perfectly weighted pass and fired goalwards, but his strike was instantly blocked by former Nomad Danny Davies.

Ash Baker went close for Saints just moment after Franklin’s chance as the full back’s well-struck volley from Leo Smith’s cut back flew inches over the crossbar.

Saints were then forced into their first change of the afternoon as midway through the first half, Jordan Marshall went down injured, and was unable to continue with play. The midfielder was replaced by Ben Clark.

Brad Young thought he had given Saints the lead with 39 minutes on the clock, but the celebrations were cut short as a handball in the build-up meant Young’s finish from close range was disallowed.

Ryan Harrington nearly bagged the opening goal two minutes later as his spectacular effort from distance nearly sailed over Connor Roberts, but the goalkeeper was alert to the danger and made the stop as both sides went into the break level.

The Second Half
An earlier knock to Josh Williams meant the midfielder was unable to continue with play ahead of the restart, and therefore, he was replaced by Callum Bratley.

The Nomads produced some intricate passing in the final third and nearly carved open the Saints defence as Franklin’s through ball into Davies, allowed the striker a sight of goal. The striker tried to round Connor Roberts, but the goalkeeper was able to get a vital hand to the ball.

Jack Kenny tried to pick up the pieces and slot home the rebound, but again Roberts came to his side’s rescue.

Kenny was later booked for a foul on Danny Redmond, and as a precaution, he was replaced by Michael Wilde, who came on for his last ever JD Cymru Premier match for The Nomads.

John Disney, Ben Nash and Noah Edwards were also on the receiving end of yellow cards as the tension built up ahead of the final 20 minutes at Park Hall.

Disney came up with a vital piece of defending to deny Saints on the attack again as the captain tracked back to make a vital clearance to prevent Leo Smith’s cross reaching Declan McManus.

However, despite The Nomads’ tremendous showing in defence for the majority of the afternoon, Saints did eventually find the opener as substitute Adrian Cieslewicz fired a powerful shot beyond Andy Firth and into the top corner.

Buoyed by a late breakthrough, Saints doubled their lead in stoppage time as Leo Smith’s curling cross saw Kai Edwards turn the ball into his own net in an unfortunate moment for the defender.

The Nomads may have suffered defeat, but another valiant effort means Neil Gibson and his staff will have lots to build on ahead of an important week for the club.

What’s next?
The Nomads will face The New Saints again next weekend as both sides meet in a much-anticipated JD Welsh Cup Final at Rodney Parade, home of Newport County.

Neil Gibson will be hoping to claim his first trophy as Nomads manager with the club also looking to end the domestic season on a high note before we embark on another European tour.

The Welsh Cup Final will take place on Sunday, 21 April with a 17:25pm scheduled kick off time.

Match report by Adam Angerer