Pre-Europe friendlies rounded off with 4-0 victory

Connah’s Quay Nomads defeated an Inspire Sports Management (ISM) XI by four goals to nil on Friday evening in the club’s final pre-Europa League friendly.

A brace from Callum Morris, along with goals from Michael Parker and Michael Bakare saw The Nomads continue an unbeaten pre-season campaign after wins over Cefn Druids, Crusaders and a draw with the Isle of Man FA.

The game saw The Nomads reunite with 2017/18 squad signings Melford Simpson, John Oyenuga and Mathias Bakare who went up against his brother Michael.

Early in the friendly, the towering Melford Simpson made his presence known in the area, rising up to contest for an aerial ball which was punched away by Danby.

Danby’s colleague, Jon Rushton, filled in as Inspire Sports’ 'keeper, ensuring both Nomads’ stoppers got a full game under their belts.

Neither 'keeper was seriously tested in the opening stages of the game, as the likes of Andy Owens looked for a way past the visiting defence.

Melford Simpson once again threatened in The Nomads’ area, surging into the area before having his seven yard effort saved low by Danby.

In the 18th minute Andy Owens sent a half volley goalwards from inside the ISM area, but it went wide for a goal kick.

With 30 minutes played the deadlock was broken, when after a foul on Ryan Wignall in the area, Callum Morris stepped up to convert a penalty.

Inspire Sports went close twice in search of an equaliser, but The Nomads were able to keep their lead going into the interval.

In the second half, stand-in opposition 'keeper Jon Rushton made a great save against an Andy Owens chip effort, pushing the ball over his own crossbar to deny his teammate.

The Nomads were able to double their lead on 57 minutes, as good link up play from Ryan Wignall and Andy Owens saw Callum Morris stride into the area and shoot at close range to seal his brace.

Nathan Woolfe, who had been introduced for The Nomads along with Bakare and Noah Edwards, soon found himself in the ISM area with space, sending a powerful effort just over the crossbar from 12 yards.

The Nomads third saw Michael Parker open his account, as he converted a header from an inswinging Woolfe free kick after rising highest in the ISM area.

As The Nomads started to control the game and create more chances, Jon Rushton was forced into more good blocks as The Nomads eyed more goals on the night.

Michael Bakare got The Nomads’ fourth goal of the evening, getting on the end of a botched clearance to slot low into the goal from close range.

Noah Edwards and Jack Kenny both saw good chances go amiss, with the ISM defence managing to dispossess them just before they got shots off in the area.

At full time The Nomads could reflect on another thorough pre-season workout with no injuries sustained.

They now move onto their UEFA Europa League first qualifying round  one clash with Belarus’ Shakhtyor Soligorsk, with the first leg taking place at Rhyl’s Corbett Sports Stadium on Thursday 12 July for a 6:00pm kick off.

Match Photos

Match Report by Will Catterall