Bratley and Wilde strike to send Nomads into MG Cup Final

Saturday afternoon saw The Nomads reach their third successive Nathaniel MG Cup final after goals from Callum Bratley and Michael Wilde earned a 2-0 Semi Final win over Taffs Well.

Form
The Nomads came into this game on the back of a brilliant unbeaten streak which has seen them take a strong grip of second place in the Cymru Premier. Last Friday’s high goal scoring encounter with Caernarfon saw Joe Malkin’s late brace earn Nomads a hard fought point after being three goals down. Over the past month, The Nomads have been lethal in front of goal, scoring 15 goals in their last four matches in all competitions.

With only one win in their last five JD Cymru South fixtures, Craig Sampson’s side sit seventh in the table and have taken a huge setback in their push for promotion. However, Taffs Well have had a great journey to reach today’s semi final after knocking out Ynyshir Albion, Trefelin, Haverfordwest and Afan Lido along the way.

Team News
Neil Gibson made two changes to his starting eleven as Friday night’s hero Joe Malkin was named up front with Mike Hayes dropping to the bench. Harry Franklin was also handed a start, replacing Josh Williams in midfield. Aron Williams was named on the bench after returning from an injury sustained in The Nomads’ 1-0 victory over Penybont last month.

As for Taffs Well. they made three changes from their 2-0 victory over Abergavenny last weekend in the JD Cymru South, Harry Treharne, Ethan Cann and Daniel Hooper all returned for first team starts, meaning Jordan Carey was named on the bench whereas Joe Shephard and Josh Allen were both absent for today’s game.

The First Half
The Nomads almost got off to a dream start as Ryan Stratulis burst down the right hand side and delivered onto the head of Ben Nash who leaped highest but his header was inches wide of the bottom corner.

Stratulis was amongst the action just minutes later as Ryan Harrington’s ball into the box was not fully cleared by Taffs Well, leaving Stratulis with the chance to fire goalwards, however his effort was instantly blocked and The Wellmen could scamper the ball clear.

Michael Wilde then played in Callum Bratley who raced into the area, set his sights on goal and looked to slot past King but the Taffs Well goalkeeper was there to tip the shot away.

Nomads forced King into action again as Callum Bratley set off on a darting run down the left to spot Callum Morris on the edge of the area who steadied himself before releasing a powerful strike which King was able to hold onto comfortably.

Taffs Well almost made the most of their first real opportunity as David Lyon capitalised on a defensive mistake from Nomads, seeing Lyon beat Firth but George Horan came to the rescue as he cleared Lyon’s shot off the line, allowing Nomads to clear the danger.

Lyon found himself with a goalscoring chance around ten minutes later after he intercepted a pass in defence, Lyon went for goal himself with options around him which saw Andy Firth stay calm to collect safely.

The Second Half
The start of the second half was a repeat of the first as Nomads nearly opened the scoring. Callum Bratley produce some sublime skill on the left and crossed into a dangerous area, finding Ben Nash whose header looked to be going in but a great catch from King kept the scoreline goalless.

Nomads made the breakthrough in the 56th minute after Callum Bratley troubled the Taffs Well defence once more. Bratley dribbled down the left and found space for the shot where he brilliantly found the far corner to make it 1-0.

Joe Malkin came close to doubling the lead on the hour mark as he latched onto Harry Franklin’s pass before shooting first time, however Malkin was off target. Shortly after, Malkin was replaced by Mike Hayes for the final 25 minutes.

Nomads continued to cause a threat to the Taffs Well goal as they looked for reasbsurance with a two goal cushion. Ryan Harrington’s cross was chested down by Michael Wilde who spotted Ryan Stratulis, the number six took a touch and volleyed for the top corner but was over the bar in his attempt.

Taffs Well were reduced to ten men with five minutes to play after David Lyon’s foul on Harry Franklin gave referee Huw Jones no choice but to hand Lyon a second yellow card As a result, Franklin was unable to continue and on came Aron Williams who made his return from injury.

The away side’s task was made even harder as Nomads finally got their second goal to give them one foot in the final. Callum Morris’ wicked delivery set it up on a plate for Michael Wilde who fantastically fired past King to all but confirm Nomads’ place in the Nathaniel MG Cup Final.

The full time whistle blew, meaning Nomads reached their third successive Nathaniel MG Cup Final where this time they will take on Bala Town after their victory over Cardiff Met which also happened this afternoon. Both sides will therefore battle it out next year with a venue still to be confirmed.

Next Fixture
It’s Friday night action next for Neil Gibson’s side as they travel to The Hollingsworth Group Stadium to take on Airbus in the local derby. Nomads will be aiming to extend their unbeaten streak and will look to start December in the perfect way.

Match Photos

Match Report by Adam Angerer