Opening day ends in frustration for Nomads after Met loss

Saturday afternoon saw Nomads suffer defeat at the hands of Cardiff Met on the opening day of The JD Cymru Premier with goals from Sam Jones and Lewis Rees seeing The Archers claim a 2-0 win.

Nomads come into this game with Neil Gibson getting off to a great start as new manager as an epic penalty shootout saw Nomads knock out reigning Cymru Premier champions TNS out of the Nathaniel MG Cup thanks to Andy Firth’s crucial performance and Ryan Harrington’s winning penalty.

As for today's opponents, Cardiff Met also won their season opener in the Nathaniel MG Cup as they overcame the tough test of Newtown following Harry Owen’s late winner. Cardiff Met also come into the new season with the appointment of Ryan Jenkins as first team manager after the departure of Christian Edwards and his 13 year spell in charge of Met.

Team News
Nomads faced no new injuries heading into today’s fixture as defenders Kris Owens and Neal Eardley remain sidelined. The starting eleven saw only one change from last week's victory as John Disney returned to the midfield alongside Harry Franklin and Callum Morris, meaning manager Neil Gibson named an unchanged back four and an unchanged front three. There were also places on the bench for academy players Josh Williams, Ben Farley, Josh Watkin and Louis Holden.

New Cardiff Met manager Ryan Jenkins named an unchanged eleven from their MG Cup victory over Newtown with Chris Baker taking the captain’s armband and Sam Jones leading the line.

The First Half
As we got underway at Cyncoed, Nomads came close to making the perfect start as Michael Wilde was fouled in a dangerous position, leaving Harry Franklin with a chance to mark his league debut with a free kick goal but his shot was inches over the bar.

Cardiff Met enjoyed spells of possession which ultimately led to a glorious opportunity for Matt Chubb whose close range effort flashed wide at the near post.

The hosts did take their chance just past the 20 minute mark as a quick throw-in went all the way through to Nomads keeper Andy Firth who was unable to collect, seeing Sam Jones pounce and smash home to give Met a 1-0 lead.

Nomads were forced into an early change as Aeron Edwards had to come off with a slight knock and so on came birthday boy Callum Bratley for his first Cymru Premier appearance in Nomads colours.

Met captain Chris Baker came close to doubling the lead as he charged inside the area following a ball from the right and then went for an audacious volley which alerted Andy Firth but the effort flew over the top.

Andy Firth was called into action as Sam Jones almost grabbed his brace. Jones was played through and struck a powerful effort towards goal but was straight at Firth and the danger was cleared.

The Second Half
Following Michael Wilde’s early second half yellow card, Harry Franklin showed his skill as he ran down the right hand side, cut inside his man and won a Nomads corner. The resulting corner was met by George Horan whose looping header towards the back post was off target.

Danny Holmes then continued Nomads’ positive start to the second half as his wicked delivery found Callum Bratley, seeing the substitute's header go whiskers wide of the bottom corner.

Nomads were forced into another switch as this time Aron Williams felt a slight leg problem, meaning summer signing Joe Malkin came onto the field.

Andy Firth made another double save as Met continued to perform well, CJ Craven’s long range attempt was stopped by Firth followed by Sam Jones’ tame effort inside the area which was safely caught by The Nomads keeper.

Nomads continued their push for an equaliser as Ryan Harrington found space in a crossing position, Harrington then swung the ball into the box and searched for the head of Michael Wilde but his marker made sure he did enough to distract Wilde and Met would eventually clear.

With just over five minutes to go, Cardiff Met doubled their advtange as Sam Jones’ low ball across the face of goal fell to Lewis Rees at the back post who tapped home to make it 2-0.

Met were able to see off any potential Nomads comeback as the full time whistle was blown by referee Aaron Wyn Jones. This was Cardiff Met’s first Cymru Premier victory over Nomads since 2016 with goals from Sam Jones and Lewis Rees sealing the 2-0 win.

Nomads now turn their attention to Friday 19th August where they host newly promoted Airbus at Deeside Stadium where both sides will look for their first win of the new Cymru Premier season.

Match Photos

Match Report by Adam Angerer