Astonishing first half hands Nomads first win as new era begins

Friday night saw The Nomads secure their first three points of the season with a convincing 4-0 win over Aberystwyth in the club’s first game at our new home, The Essity Stadium.

Two quickfire goals from Josh Williams and Callum Bratley got things rolling for The Nomads before Jordan Davies converted a 38th minute penalty. In stoppage time of the first half, Josh Williams grabbed his brace with a powerful volley which left Dave Jones no chance and left Aber with a mighty task ahead of them in the second half.

Despite Callum Bratley’s red card midway through the second half, Aber were unable to find the net meaning The Nomads’ incredible first half performance was enough for all three points.

The Nomads came into this game having suffered two frustrating back to back losses at the hands to TNS with the first of those coming in the second round of the Nathaniel MG Cup. Then a week later, The Nomads were back at Park Hall for the opening fixture of the Cymru Premier and although Noah Edwards and Jordan Davies both netted in the first half for The Nomads, Saints came away with the three points.

Tonight’s visitors Aberstwyth were successful in their Nathaniel MG Cup second round tie after Billy Kirkman’s late goal saw Anthony Williams’ side overcome Barry Town 2-1 at Jenner Park. Aber then hosted Cardiff Met in the Cymru Premier and were outdone by Eliot Evans' strike. Although Evans received a red card with 15 minutes to go, Aber were unable to make the most of the extra man and went home with nothing.

Team News
Neil Gibson made only one change from last weekend as Kai Edwards made his way back into the side to replace the absent Aron Williams and join Ben Nash in the centre back partnership. Jordan Davies and Mike Wilde continued to lead the line with Josh Williams sat in just behind the attacking duo. Young goalkeeper Joe Lawlor was named on the bench and joined the same six substitutes from last weekend against TNS - Stratulis, Morris, Franklin, Kenny, Hogan and Waters.

Anthony Williams made two changes to his Aber side as Eric Yahaya replaced experienced forward Mark Cadwallader up front. Harry Owen, on loan from The Nomads was unable to play in defence due to the agreement between the two clubs meaning new signing Aaron Simpson took his place.

The First Half
Mike Wilde had the game’s first big chance as an inviting ball into a dangerous area saw Wilde leap up high and look to divert a header into the far corner but his effort just steered wide of the post.

Aber goalkeeper Dave Jones was nearly left stunned when Ryan Harrington’s cross-turned-shot almost caught him out but luckily for the shotstopper, the ball looped over the bar and it remained all square after 15 minutes.

The Nomads were baffled as to why they weren’t awarded a penalty in the 20th minute as Jordan Davies appeared to have been struck in the head by the boot of an Aber defender but the referee waved away the shouts and play continued.

However, The Nomads were rewarded for their efforts and grabbed the opening goal through Josh Williams. Mike Wilde slipped in Declan Poole down the byline and Poole delightfully picked out Williams who slid in to finish from close range.

Just five minutes later, The Nomads doubled their lead with a well worked goal finished off by Callum Bratley. Ryan Harrington fizzed a ball into the path of Bratley who stayed composed to find the net at the near post, leaving Dave Jones no chance.

The Nomads stayed rampant on the attack and had their third goal of the evening. John Disney’s through ball to Jordan Davies left the striker with only Jones to beat, Davies tried to go round the goalkeeper but was brought down in the process and this time, the referee pointed to the spot. Davies won the penalty and also took it, he stepped up and calmly rolled the ball into the bottom corner, sending Jones the wrong way.

An already deflated Aber knew their task ahead was a very tricky one to overcome and it got even trickier as in the second minute of first half stoppage time, Josh Williams bagged his second goal of the evening. A long ball into the box was nodded into the air by Mike Wilde and the ball fell kindly for Williams who rifled a sweetly struck volley into the bottom corner, giving Nomads a four goal cushion at the break.

The Second Half
Aber manager Anthony Williams made one change at the break as he introduced Alex Darlington in place of Eric Yahaya, who was on a yellow card.

Noah Edwards had been dynamite in midfield all game and nearly provided an assist for Jordan Davies. Edwards’ beautiful ball over to Davies allowed the No.10 to use his pace, burst into the area and fire goalwards but Dave Jones was there to deny him.

Aber were searching for a way back into the game and nearly pulled a goal back through Owen Taylor. The midfielder set himself onto his left foot and looked to fire across goal but a brilliant block from Ben Nash kept the clean sheet alive.

In the 68th minute, The Nomads were reduced to ten men as Callum Bratley received a second yellow card for a sliding challenge, meaning he will miss next week’s trip to Bala.

Neil Gibson then made a triple substitution as he introduced the trio of Jack Kenny, Harry Franklin and Callum Morris in place of Jordan Davies, Mike Wilde and Josh Williams, who stole the show with those two amazing first half goals.

The Nomads continued to defend their clean sheet as Aber struggled to break The Nomads down. Neil Gibson’s side were searching for a fifth goal to put the game to bed and nearly did so in style. Some accurate passing in the final third eventually found John Disney on the edge of the area, Disney was invited to shoot but his strike flew inches wide of the top corner.

Substitute Harry Franklin was certainly full of energy after entering the fray and was unlucky not to find himself on the scoresheet. Franklin was played through down the left hand side and drifted into the area, however his low drive was stopped by Dave Jones.

Five minutes later, Franklin was denied again, this time by the woodwork. In a similar position to his chance moments before, the 23 year old got down the left and looked to beat Jones from a tight angle but his effort thundered against the near post and out for a goal kick.

The full time whistle blew and so The Nomads began life at The Essity Stadium with an important three points over Aberystwyth. Two fine goals from Josh Williams and strikes from Callum Bratley and Jordan Davies were enough to seal the deal and get Nomads off the mark in the Cymru Premier.

Next Fixture
The Nomads now face a tough challenge away to Bala Town in Matchday 3 of the JD Cymru Premier. The match will take place at Maes Tegid on Friday 25th August with a 7:45pm scheduled kick off time.

Match Report by Adam Angerer