Kenny strike salvages point in fiesty Bala draw

Wednesday evening saw The Nomads share the points with Bala Town at a wet and windy Essity Stadium in the JD Cymru Premier. Harry Franklin set up Jack Kenny on the hour mark to cancel out Osebi Abadaki’s first half finish for the visitors.

The Nomads had won every single game they’ve played this season at The Essity Stadium prior to tonight but a Bala side that have frustrated Nomads throughout the whole year knew they were going to make it tough for that run of victories to continue.

Osebi Abadaki put the away side ahead in the first half after firing home from George Newell’s pass. The Nomads dominated the ball and eventually got their reward through Jack Kenny who scored his fifth goal of the season, latching onto Harry Franklin’s square ball and slotting past Bala goalkeeper Kelland Absalom. Nomads pushed and pushed for the lead but it just wasn’t their night, Josh Williams came close to scoring one of the goals of the season as his strike thundered against the crossbar. The trio of Jordan Davies, Ryan Stratulis and Callum Morris all had chances in the final 15 minutes but were denied by fine margins.

This was the seventh meeting in all competitions between The Nomads and Bala in 2023. The Nomads have only won one of those encounters but it was a victory that all but confirmed our trip to Europe. On the other hand, Bala have had the better of The Nomads in cup competition, winning a dramatic penalty shootout to get their hands on the Nathaniel MG Cup as well as beating Nomads 3-2 in last season’s JD Welsh Cup Semi Final.

Form
The Nomads came into this game with a nine game unbeaten run in all competitions. One draw away to Aberystwyth at the beginning of October saw Nomads miss the chance to go top of the JD Cymru Premier, however the chase towards the league leaders TNS is still very much upon us. The Nomads made the perfect response to that 1-1 draw with The Seasiders by storming to a 4-1 victory over Caernarfon in the JD Welsh Cup, a game which saw Cymru Premier Player of the Month Jordan Davies score his first Nomads hat-trick as well as grabbing an assist for Ryan Stratulis.

As for Bala, three consecutive losses against Barry, Aberystwyth and Newtown spanning from the end of September to the start of October leaves Colin Caton’s side in a position where every point matters if they were to finish in a top six position come the end of Phase One. Bala recently got back on track against Colwyn Bay before cruising past Cymru North side Llandudno in the JD Welsh Cup.

Team News
With captain John Disney serving a one match suspension, Callum Morris stepped into midfield as Ben Nash took the captain’s armband. Jack Kenny returned to the starting eleven, pairing Jordan Davies up front as Ryan Stratulis dropped to the bench. The academy prospects of 17-year old Noah Sumner and 16-year old Mason Parry were named on the bench, following their impressive performances for our U18s side.

Colin Caton made two changes to his Bala side that overcame Llandudno five days ago as George Newell replaced Joe Malkin as striker with Naim Arsan returning to full back, coming in for Kyle Harrison.

The First Half
The away side had the first real opportunity of the game and it was one they probably should have taken as Ryan Rogers found George Newell in a pocket of space just inside the area, however even with time to pick his spot, Newell scuffed his attempt and the ball rolled straight into the hands of Andy Firth.

Osebi Abadaki put Bala ahead in the 13th minute as a long ball upfield was flicked on by the goalscorer into the path of Newell who then spotted Abadaki’s run alongside him, which saw Abadaki beat Firth one-on-one from just outside the area.

The Nomads came agonisingly close to equalising just three minutes after Abadaki’s strike as a corner from the left fell back out to Callum Morris on the edge of the box, his powerful shot took a massive deflection through a number of bodies which diverted the ball onto the post and out for a goal kick.

Aeron Edwards then dispossessed Morris at the back which saw Edwards drive forward and go alone which forced Firth into making a crucial diving save.

Josh Williams’ floating cross-turned-shot midway through the first half proved to be an awkward one for Bala goalkeeper Kelland Absalom to deal with as he was forced to make a full stretch save to prevent the ball from flying into the top corner.

Jordan Davies was next to go close for The Nomads as we neared half time. Davies wasn’t picked up on the right hand side, Franklin spotted him in space and it was probably just too tight of an angle for Davies to rip the net open, as he dragged his shot wide of the far corner.

Noah Edwards nearly scored one of our goals of the season on the stroke of half time. The midfielder set his sights on goal from 25 yards out and went for power, however his thunderous effort was a whisker wide.

The Second Half
George Newell should have doubled Bala’s lead at the start of the second half. Newell did all the work leading up to the chance as he intercepted Kai Edwards at the back and raced through on goal but Firth was equal to it, denying Newell with a fantastic save as the rain started to take its toll at The Essity Stadium.

The Nomads drew level on the hour mark through a wonderfully worked move which carved open the Bala backline. Noah Edwards’ long ball over the top was controlled by Franklin which allowed him to square the ball for Jack Kenny who beat Absalom rushing off his line to slot home and score his fifth goal of the season and his third of 2023 against The Lakesiders.

The Nomads almost went ahead on two occasions from long range. Firstly, Jordan Davies stood over a free kick in line with the goal around 25 yards out, the striker beat the wall but couldn’t keep his shot down on target. Three minutes later, Josh Williams was denied by the woodwork. Kai Edwards spotted Williams in a pocket of space which saw Williams drive into the final third and search for the top corner, Absalom stood still but luckily for the visitors, Williams’ strike crashed onto the crossbar and we remained at one a piece.

Both sides looked to their bench for the first time of the evening. Ryan Stratulis replaced Harry Franklin, who added another assist to his tally tonight. Bala introduced former Nomads man Joe Malkin and Kieran Smith, who both came on for George Newell and Ryan Rogers.

Malkin received a yellow card for a late challenge on Firth, just four minutes after entering the pitch.

Both sides were giving it their all in a drenched Essity Stadium with bodies being put on the line. A Bala cross from the left was brought down by Paulo Mendes who quickly turned onto his right foot but Kai Edwards’ goal-saving block denied Mendes.

Andy Firth was called into action again as he made yet another brilliant reflex save to deny Joe Malkin’s diving header from close range.

Time was ticking and The Nomads were going all out to push for a winner as forward Jack Burman came on for his third ever first team appearance for the club, replacing Josh Williams.

Callum Morris had one of The Nomads’ best opportunities in the fifth minute of stoppage time as Ryan Stratulis’ dangerous cross found Morris whose diving header flew narrowly wide as The Nomads held their heads in hands, knowing that gilt-edged chance was going to be the last.

As referee John Jones blew the whistle for full time Joe Malkin and Kai Edwards clashed off the ball which resulted in Edwards being shown a straight red card before Malkin was summoned back from the dressing room by the referee to receive a second yellow card.

Post-Match
Following our 1-1 draw with Bala, Neil Gibson commented:

Next Fixture
The Nomads now focus on a long journey down to South Wales to take on Pontypridd in the JD Cymru Premier. The Nomads swept away Ponty last season at the USW Sports Park with a 5-0 victory so The Nomads will be hoping for more of the same this weekend. The match will take place on Saturday 21st October with a 2:30pm scheduled kick off time.

Match Photos

Match Report by Adam Angerer