Stratulis stunner secures hard fought three points over nine man Bala

Tuesday Night saw The Nomads clinch a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bala in the fourth round of fixtures in the JD Cymru Premier thanks to a stunning strike from Ryan Stratulis.

Stratulis' long-range effort stunned Bala goalkeeper Alex Ramsay from 25 yards out before Bala were reduced to nine men in the second half after Antony Kay and Oliver Southern saw red, sending Nomads on their way to securing an amazing three points.

Form
Nomads came into this fixture on the back of a 2-1 loss to title favourites TNS after Jon Routledge’s late winner. However a spirited performance against Saints and an excellent three points over Airbus has certainly given Neil Gibson a number of positives as Nomads push for more success.

As for The Lakesiders, a frustrating 2-0 loss to Penybont on the opening day and a 1-1 draw against Haverfordwest saw Colin Caton’s side get off to a shaky start but returned to winning ways in style after a convincing 3-0 victory over Newtown.

Team News
The Nomads' line up saw first choice Captain George Horan return to the starting eleven. Harry Franklin dropped to the bench, seeing John Disney take his place in the midfield. The Nomads bench also saw Aeron Edwards make his way back into the squad after picking up a minor injury. U19 stars Jack Burman, Louis Holden and Ben Farley were also amongst the substitutes for tonight’s fixture.

Bala made no changes from their starting line up and named an unchanged eleven from last week’s impressive triumph over Newtown.

The First Half
As we got underway, Nomads instantly had a penalty shout as Ryan Stratulis raced into the area and was brought down by his marker but referee Iwan Griffith waved away the protests and Nomads were denied.

Bala had two great chances to take the lead as Lassana Mendes crossed in towards Chris Venables whose tame header was caught safely by Andy Firth. Moments later, Ollie Shannon had his volley saved brilliantly by Firth at the near post to keep the scoreline goalless.

The visitors had a penalty shout of their own but were also denied as claims for handball off George Horan were not given. Nomads hit back on the counter attack which saw Ryan Stratulis’s cross caught by Alex Ramsay but the goalkeeper had a nervy moment as he almost parried the ball straight into the path of Callum Bratley.

Nomads made the breakthrough midway through the first half as Michael Wilde set up Ryan Stratulis who tremendously set his sights on goal and spotted Alex Ramsay off his line before going for an audacious lob which sailed into the back of the net.

Michael Wilde came close to doubling Nomads’ lead on two occasions as Ryan Harrington’s diagonal ball onto the head of Wilde was saved at the near post by Alex Ramsay. The Bala shot stopper denied Wilde once again after George Horan’s header back across goal saw Wilde aim for the bottom corner but Ramsay was alert and made the diving save.

The Second Half
Both sides looked dangerous on the attack as we got underway for the second half. Bala came forward with Lassana Mendes who had options left and right but decided to go for glory but Andy Firth made a comfortable save down to his left.

Goalscorer Stratulis was causing trouble to the Bala backline as he played a lovely ball into Michael Wilde but the striker was unable to fully grasp the ball at his feet and his effort curled wide.

Minutes later, Stratulis came even closer to grabbing Nomads’ second and his second of the evening as Ryan Harrington’s low ball fell straight to the unmarked Stratulis but the new signing could not keep his shot down and the scoreline remained 1-0.

Bala then went down to ten men as Antony Kay received two yellow cards in the space of ten minutes. The first bookable offence was for a challenge on Paulo Mendes in midfield before Kay received his second yellow for a reckless challenge on John Disney resulting in a slight brawl which also saw a yellow card for Chris Venables.

The visitors had another gilt-edged chance go begging as Lassana Mendes got through down the byline and pulled back to the unmarked Oliver Southern who blazed over the crossbar from close range.

Neil Gibson made his first substitutions of the evening as Harry Franklin and the returning Aeron Edwards were brought on for Aron Williams and goalscorer Ryan Stratulis. Bala also made a change as George Newell came on for Ollie Shannon.

Aeron Edwards’ first involvement was a key one as he launched a counter attack but was stopped in his tracks and fouled by Oliver Southern who received a yellow card from referee Iwan Griffith.

Bala had yet another golden opportunity to pull level as Danny Holmes was intercepted seeing the away side drive forward, seeing Oliver Southern play in James Davies whose low effort was outstandingly stopped by Andy Firth to continue his fine form for Nomads.

The Lakesiders were reduced to nine men after Harry Franklin burst down the left hand side before Oliver Southern brought down the substitute and picked up his second yellow card.

Nomads were able to see out four added minutes and see off the late Bala pressure, securing an impressive three points after Ryan Stratulis’ first half stunner was the difference.

Nomads’ next fixture is another tough test in the JD Cymru Premier as Penybont travel to Deeside on 3rd September with a 2:30pm kick off time.

Match Photos

Match Report by Adam Angerer