Morris and Kenny strike as Nomads edge closer to European qualification

Friday evening saw The Nomads take a huge step closer to European qualification after goals from Callum Morris and Jack Kenny secured a 2-0 victory over Newtown in the JD Cymru Premier Championship Conference.

Form
The Nomads came into this game undefeated in their first five games of Phase Two which has seen them hold a strong grip on second place and edge closer to the European positions. Two weeks ago, The Nomads were held to a 1-1 draw against Rhys Griffith’s Penybont as Ben Nash scored his 4th goal of the season in a tight encounter. The following Friday night, Nomads played out a goalless draw with The New Saints as Andy Firth stole the show with a superb goalkeeping performance.

Newtown came into this game bottom of the Championship Conference and have a real job to do in order to secure a European spot. An amazing comeback win over Bala gave Chris Hughes’ side some hope but a goalless draw away at Cardiff Met and a 1-0 loss at home to Penybont leaves things tricky for The Robins to overcome.

Team News
Neil Gibson made just one change from the side that drew with TNS as Harry Franklin returned from suspension to replace the injured Aron Williams in attack. Mike Wilde and Danny Holmes were both named on the bench after spells on the sidelines.

Chris Hughes made two changes to his Newtown side as Zeli Ismail and Matty Jones came in to replace Nigel Aris and the suspended Callum Roberts.

The First Half
The first big chance of the game came for the visitors as an inswinging corner was met by Newtown’s top scorer Aaron Williams whose powerful header was inches wide of the top corner.

Straight up the other end, The Nomads posed a threat on the counter attack as Harry Franklin broke free and found space down the right before searching for Jack Kenny with a square ball but it was intercepted just in time.

It was then Newtown’s turn to launch a counter attack as Louis Robles raced down the right hand side looking to deliver a ball into the centre of the box but a wicked deflection off Ben Nash almost steered the ball beyond Andy Firth at the near post but the Nomads goalkeeper got down low to make a great save.

Joe Malkin had been lively as we reached the midway stage of the first half and almost turned provider for Josh Williams. Malkin cut inside onto his favoured right foot before spotting Williams on the edge of the box whose low, powerful attempt was stopped by Newtown goalkeeper Dave Jones.

Five minutes before half time, Harry Franklin found joy down the right hand side yet again as burst into the area before looking to beat Dave Jones at his near post but Franklin’s effort was narrowly wide.

Just two minutes later, The Nomads had their closest chance of the game after Jack Kenny latched onto a long ball before rounding Dave Jones and aiming to slot the ball home but a goal line clearance from Newtown defender Shane Sutton kept things goalless.

The Second Half
At the start of the second half, Nomads were awarded a penalty after Ryan Sears’ foul on Harry Franklin inside the area, leaving the referee no choice but to point to the spot and give Nomads the chance to take the lead. Callum Morris stepped up and calmly slotted his spot kick down the middle, sending Dave Jones the wrong way.

Newtown almost got themselves level against the run of play as a pacy through ball was controlled by Louis Robles whose shot from close range forced Andy Firth into making a fantastic diving save to keep his clean sheet alive.

In the 70th minute, The Nomads doubled their lead through Jack Kenny who grabbed his 4th goal since his return to Connah’s Quay. Harry Franklin dispossessed Matty Jones and found the perfect pass into the path of Kenny who once again rounded Jones and fired into an empty net.

The Nomads then made three substitutions in the space of five minutes with the trio of Mike Wilde, Ryan Stratulis and the returning Danny Holmes replacing goalscorer Kenny, Josh Williams and Harry Franklin.

Danny Holmes almost marked his return with a goal after setting himself on the edge of the box before firing a thunderous shot goalwards which was almost caught Dave Jones out via a slight deflection.

As we reached an additional four minutes of stoppage time, Newtown appealed for a penalty after claims that the ball struck the arm of George Horan, however the referee quickly waved away the shouts and continued with play.

The full time whistle blew, meaning The Nomads now strengthen their grip on second place with four games left to play as place in Europe beckons.

Next Fixture
The Nomads now turn their attention to next week’s clash with Bala Town. Both teams have already met five times this season with Bala edging out Nomads in both the Nathaniel MG Cup and Welsh Cup Semi Final so Neil Gibson and Nomads will be looking for revenge. The match will take place at Maes Tegid on Friday 31st March with a 7:45pm scheduled kick off time.

Match Photos

Match Report by Adam Angerer