Nomads off the mark as Wilde header secures Derby Day win

Friday night saw The Nomads clinch their first league victory over Airbus in the second round fixtures of the JD Cymru Premier thanks to an early second half header from Michael Wilde.

Nomads come into this game on the back of a frustrating league opener away to Cardiff Met last saturday as goals from Sam Jones and Lewis Rees gave The Archers a 2-0 win. However, progression in The Nathaniel MG Cup against a strong TNS side saw a number of positives for manager Neil Gibson to take in ahead of his new reign at Deeside.

As for Airbus, they have begun their new season with two consecutive losses. The first being in the Nathaniel MG Cup as Cymru North side Gresford Athletic pulled off a 2-1 win over The Wingmakers. Their Cymru Premier opener also saw Airbus suffer another narrow loss to Aberystwyth where Alex Darlington’s late finish denied the newly promoted side a dream start.

Team News
Nomads made two changes from last week’s meeting with Cardiff Met as Callum Bratley and Josh Williams were brought into the side, seeing John Disney drop into defence. It was a special moment for Disney as he achieved a 200 game milestone for Nomads in all competitions. Neil Gibson also named new signing Ryan Stratulis on the bench after his transfer from Tranmere to Deeside.

Airbus made one change from their defeat over Aberystwyth as Stephen Tomassen was replaced by Gareth Edwards, seeing Ryan Edwards take the captain's armband. Airbus also named a new signing on their bench as former Nomads striker Craig Curran was announced prior to kick off.

The First Half
Nomads started well in the early stages as long balls from Danny Holmes and Ryan Harrington almost found the frontline but Airbus goalkeeper Lewis Dutton did well to collect. Nomads were evidently having the majority of possession, forcing Airbus further back as Daniel Roberts received a yellow card.

A flurry of chances came for Nomads as Aron Williams found the head of Michael Wilde whose looping header was inches away from nestling into the back of the net. Harry Franklin also began to look dangerous as Danny Holmes’ low ball fell to Franklin who turned and aimed towards goal but his effort was blocked well by his marker.

Franklin continued to pose an attacking threat as his tremendous work down the right hand side led to a low ball being fired across the face of goal which took a slight deflection off an Airbus defender, seeing the woodwork deny Nomads of the opening goal.

The Nomads frontline combined once again as Franklin skillfully pulled back into the feet of Aron Williams who aimed for the near post but the effort was blocked once again and Nomads were left frustrated.

With Airbus yet to test Andy Firth, Nomads piled on even more pressure as Aron Williams’ long range effort forced another crucial block from the defence. Moments later, Lewis Dutton was called into action and made an important save following Michael Wilde’s powerful strike.

The half time whistle was blown and both sides went into the break goalless amid a series of Nomads attacks forcing the Airbus backline to make constant blocks which stopped shots coming from the trio of Franklin, Wilde and Williams.

The Second Half
As we got underway for the second half at Deeside, Nomads made the breakthrough inside just two minutes as a moment of brilliance from Aron Williams down the left hand side saw the winger deliver a dangerous ball into Michael Wilde who placed a diving header beyond Dutton and into the back of the net to give Nomads a deserved lead.

Following Wilde’s opening goal, Airbus made a double substitution as Beau Cornish and Jake Eyre came off for Mamudo Dabo and former Nomads striker Craig Curran.

Nomads came close to doubling their lead as Ryan Harrington was fouled by Dabo on the edge of the area, leaving Harry Franklin with an eye for goal from the free kick. Franklin curled towards the top corner, however his shot deflected off the Airbus wall and went narrowly wide.

Craig Curran had two glorious opportunities in quick succession as Airbus searched for an equaliser. The first being a half volley inside the area which flew wide from close range. The second chance saw Curran connect with a cross from the right where his header was whiskers away from bouncing into the bottom corner.

Nomads made their first change of the evening as new signing Ryan Stratulis came on for Josh Williams. This was shortly followed by some intense tackles from both sides which saw Callum Bratley booked by the referee.

Aron Williams and Michael Wilde almost combined again for Nomads as Williams produced some sublime work down the byline yet again before firing across for Wilde whose diving effort was off target.

Airbus were beginning to enjoy more spells of possession in the final third but were unable to fully test Andy Firth in the Nomads goal. This saw Nomads play some magnificent hold up play as Stratulis and Franklin kept the ball deep into the Airbus half with around five minutes to go.

Nomads made a double substitution as we headed into added time as Ben Nash came onto the pitch in place of Harry Franklin who produced an outstanding performance throughout the course of the match and Nomads also welcomed back the return of Neal Eardley who makes his first appearance since picking up a pre season injury.

Airbus were unable to conjure up an equaliser in the dying stages and the referee blew his final whistle and Nomads secured their first win and their first points of the new Cymru Premier campaign thanks to Michael Wilde’s second half header. A number of stand out performances for Neil Gibson to look back on including John Disney who played a key role in defence on his 200th club appearance.

Nomads now turn their attention to next week’s fixture as TNS await at Park Hall. Nomads have proven once this season that they can overcome the current Cymru Premier champions after an epic penalty shootout in the Nathaniel MG Cup so this league meeting is sure going to be another exciting encounter. This fixture will take place on 26th August with a 7:45pm scheduled kick off time.

Match Photos

Match Report by Adam Angerer