Druids Fightback Ends Cup Run Early

Nomads' interest in this season's Welsh Cup came to an abrupt halt at a bitterly cold Deeside Stadium this afternoon after their league rivals scored two second half goals to steal the spoils and, in doing so, book their place in the fourth round of the competition.

Warren Duckett struck the decisive goal 11 minutes from time in a closely-fought affair with few highlights, as Cefn Druids earned the revenge they sought for a home league defeat by the same scoreline, to two late Nomads goals, earlier in the campaign.

Player-manager Mark McGregor failed to start a game for the first time since the semi-final defeat at the hands of Bangor City last April while skipper Craig Jones was missing following his red card against Buckley Town last week. Thus, both Jack Rowlands and Dave Dempsey were drafted into the side, Dempsey making his first start for the club.

The visitors took advantage of the strong wind at their backs in the first-half to lay siege to the Nomads' goal in the early stages. The Deesiders had several uncomfortable moments as the Ancients pumped high balls into the penalty area.

Even throw-ins were causing 'heart in the mouth' moments as Druids' towering centre-back Adam Hesp was able to launch the ball deep inside the home penalty area and John Rushton was forced into punching the ball clear on more than one occasion. Occasionally Nomads broke clear but failed to trouble 'keeper Chris Mullock while former Deeside star Kieran Quinn was at the heart of the visitors' midfield threat.

The deadlock was broken on the half-hour and much against the run of play it was Nomads who took the lead. Jamie Petrie, having tried his luck on the left flank, was sent clear and despite having to ride a couple of hefty challenges was able to cut inside the penalty area to fire the ball past Mullock.

That Petrie's goal separated the sides at the interval was largely thanks to a sturdy performance by the home defence. With the breeze at their backs Nomads looked to build on that advantage and started the second half brightly. Indeed, for a while Druids had little opportunity to attack but just before the hour mark, former Nomad Tony Cann dragged his team back into the match.

As Michael Robinson claimed Cann was offside as he challenged for a through ball, the Druids front man ran on and lifted the ball over Rushton, gleefully watching its trajectory take it just inside the far post.

The goal sparked the visitors into life and Nomads were forced deeper into their own half. McGregor replaced the ailing Ben Alston and within two minutes was cautioned for a clumsy tackle. Druids began to turn the screw and, with a little over ten minutes remaining, Duckett nodded the ball home at the near post following a right wing throw-in - the goal signalling great delight amongst the visiting contingent.

McGregor soon joined Petrie and James McIntosh up front and twice Nomads had chances to equalise. Petrie set up Ben Collins but the full-back fired over from six yards out under a heavy challenge and a few minutes later Collins saw his effort brilliantly turned round the post by Chris Mullock.

In truth the home side could have few complaints about the result and must instead pick themselves up for two hugely important games in the next seven days, starting at Rhyl on Tuesday evening. Defeat at Belle Vue could have dire consequences and the Lilywhites will be fired up after their extra-time Welsh Cup success away to Premier League side Newtown today.

NOMADS: John Rushton, Ben Alston (Mark McGregor 69'), Ben Collins, Jack Rowlands, Michael Robinson, David Dempsey (George Baxter 72'), Jamie Petrie, Danny Forde, Rob Jones, James McIntosh, Alan Hooley.

Substitutes not used: Aled Reece, Shaun Tinsley, Louis Mackin.

Booked: Mark McGregor

Attendance: 102