Defensive errors cost Nomads in first defeat at Essity

The Nomads fell to their first defeat at The Essity Stadium as two defensive mistakes saw Haverfordwest claim all three points in the JD Cymru Premier.

Before today, Haverfordwest had not won away to The Nomads in over 20 years. However, this afternoon things all changed as two errors at the back allowed both Luke Tabone and Ben Fawcett to score and grab a 2-1 win for Haverfordwest.

Ryan Harrington’s thunderous strike from the edge of the area pulled The Nomads level after Tabone found the breakthrough. However, Harrington’s leveller was short-lived as miscommunication between John Disney and Andy Firth gave Ben Fawcett an easy finish into an empty net.

The Nomads piled on the pressure throughout the second half but couldn’t find a way through Zac Jones, who made a number of saves to deny Nomads.

Form
The Nomads have had their eyes set on a top six finish ever since the beginning of the season. Despite a frustrating loss to Cardiff met in their last league outing, a staggering twelve game unbeaten streak prior to the defeat at Cyncoed leaves The Nomads sitting strong in second and a great chance of reaching the Championship Conference. Last weekend The Nomads booked their place in round four of the JD Welsh Cup with an emphatic 8-0 victory over Prestatyn Town, a game which saw Jordan Davies score his second hat-trick in under a month and Callum Morris bag his 80th and 81st competitive goals for the club.

Ever since their European tour, it hasn’t been an easy first few months in Phase One for Tony Pennock’s Haverfordwest side. Just two wins between August and October left The Bluebirds in a sticky situation towards the bottom of the table. Haverfordwest’s home form has helped them climb up to eighth and move six points clear of the relegation zone. Wins at Bridge Meadow over Penybont and Colwyn Bay as well as a point at Newtown now gives them slight hope of reaching the top six. Just like The Nomads, Haverfordwest also reached round four of the JD Welsh Cup last weekend with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Cymru South side Ammanford.

Team News
Harry Franklin’s suspension meant he was replaced by Josh Williams in attacking midfield in the only change from our 8-0 victory over Prestatyn. Slight knocks to Callum Bratley, Ryan Stratulis and Eddie Clarke meant the trio were absent from today’s matchday squad. Youngsters Jordan Pownall, Jack Burman and Noah Sumner all made the bench.

Injury-hit Haverfordwest made four changes from their last league outing. Ricky Watts, Ben Fawcett, Kayden Williams-Lowe and Jacob Owen all came into the side to replace Rio Dyer, Tyrese Owen, Aidan Macnamara and Jack Wilson. 22 year-old midfielder Kai Whitmore returned to the bench for the first time since the beginning of October as he overcome a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The First Half
Both sides had early opportunities on the break as Jack Kenny’s dangerous ball towards Jordan Davies at the back post inside the first 60 seconds, forced Haverfordwest defender Lee Jenkins into a goal-saving interception. Martell Taylor-Crossdale, who scored a hat-trick against Colwyn Bay last time out, nearly beat Andy Firth from the edge of the area. The striker picked up the ball from 20 yards out and went for glory, however his effort flashed wide of the post.

Josh Williams almost found the opener with a sweet strike from distance. Ben Nash spotted the midfielder in acres of space, allowing Williams to get his dipping shot away. Zac Jones had to be mindful of the power behind the ball but the goalkeeper managed to claw the ball away to safety.

The centre back duo of Ben Nash and Kai Edwards combined well to create the best chance of the game. Ryan Harrington’s diagonal ball was headed down by Nash and into the path of Edwards who got a foot to the ball but the finish proved to be too difficult as his attempt flew over the bar.

Haverfordwest took the lead midway through the first half courtesy of Luke Tabone. Lee Jenkins’ touch from Dan Hawkins’ delivery somewhat bamboozled Andy Firth as the goalkeeper mistimed his attempt to make the stop which allowed Tabone to tap home close range.

Ryan Harrington found an equaliser in the 31st minute from a well worked set piece move from The Nomads. Josh Williams laid the ball off to Harrington whose thunderous strike took a slight deflection before nestling in the back of the net.

However, Harrington’s leveller proved to be short-lived as Haverfordwest restored their lead just two minutes later and it was another defensive mistake which gifted them a second. Miscommunication between John Disney and Andy Firth saw Ben Fawcett intercept a loose ball and roll home into an empty net.

The final chance of the half fell to Callum Morris. Harrington’s cross from the left hand side found Morris inside the area, the midfielder rose highest but could only glance his header wide of the target.

The Second Half
Another Ryan Harrington ball into the box was nervously parried out to Josh Williams, who looked destined to make it 2-2 but to his dismay, he scuffed his effort from close range. The ball wasn’t fully cleared as Jordan Davies set himself up for a shot on the edge of the area but he also didn’t get the connection he wanted, slicing his shot well wide of Zac Jones’ goal.

Kai Edwards had a great chance earlier in the first half and had another on the hour mark. Declan Poole hung the ball up towards the back post where Edwards was lurking, the centre half met the cross but his header was a comfortable one for Zac Jones.

The Nomads then made their first change of the afternoon as Michael Wilde replaced Noah Edwards, who received a yellow card earlier on in the match.

Wilde nearly got on the end of Ryan Harrington’s wicked delivery but it just averted the striker and the referee also awarded Haverfordwest a free kick for Wilde’s foul on Oscar Borg when attempting his header.

Neil Gibson turned to his bench once again to push for an equaliser and provide fresh legs up front. Jack Burman and Aron Williams both came on for Jack Kenny and Josh Williams.

Jordan Davies had a glorious opportunity to bring the scoreline level in the 86th minute. Callum Morris’ low ball into the path of Davies saw the No.10 shoot first time, he got plenty of power behind the ball but Zac Jones was equal to it as his goalkeeping continued to frustrate The Nomads.

The Nomads added more attacking quality in the dying embers as Noah Sumner replaced goalscorer Ryan Harrington, however time was up and The Nomads were unable to find the all important equaliser as Haverfordwest ended a 20 year drought away from home against The Nomads.

Neil Gibson’s side will reflect on where it all went wrong throughout the week and will look to return to winning ways and cement their place in the JD Cymru Premier top six.

Next Fixture
A short trip up to Colwyn Bay awaits The Nomads in ten days time on Wednesday 29th November. Another three points for Neil Gibson’s side would be a real treat as the busy festive schedule begins now. The match will take place at The Four Crosses Construction Arena with a scheduled 7:45pm kick off time. For those of you that can't make the trip, we will be providing live match updates on our Twitter and Instagram pages.

Match Photos

Match Report by Adam Angerer