Nomads hit magnificent seven to secure top six in style

The Nomads confirmed their place in the JD Cymru Premier top six with an emphatic 7-0 victory over Barry Town at The Essity Stadium.

Jack Kenny, Harry Franklin, Ryan Harrington, Jordan Davies, Michael Wilde and two own goals sealed the deal as Neil Gibson claimed his 25th home win as manager of The Nomads.

It was an afternoon filled with enjoyment as Michael Wilde scored his 100th Nomads goal, Declan Poole claimed his fifth assist in four days and Harry Franklin celebrated his birthday in the best way possible by getting his name on the scoresheet.

The Nomads came into this game knowing three points would confirm their place in the top six and after Wednesday night’s crucial 3-2 victory over Colwyn Bay, there were no surprises that Neil Gibson named the exact same starting eleven and bench.

The First Half
Barry had the first major opportunity of the match and probably should have taken the lead through Kayne McLaggon. Barry’s star striker was released through one-on-one, he had time and space but he was denied by a tremendous save from Andy Firth.

Just five minutes later, Nomads hit the front after Callum Sainty turned the ball home into his own net. Jordan Davies’ low ball aimed for Jack Kenny deflected off Sainty’s leg and luckily found its way beyond Luc Rees.

Although the first goal wasn’t clean, the second certainly was as Jack Kenny headed Nomads into a 2-0 lead. On his from assist haul on Wednesday, Declan Poole was at it again as he delivered a beautiful cross into Kenny, which saw the striker divert his header into the bottom corner via the woodwork.

Barry looked lively on the attack towards the end of the first half. Ben Nash received a yellow card for a foul out wide, but Nomads were able to deal with a number of set pieces and long balls to keep the clean sheet intact. Jordan Davies and Kai Edwards made two wonderful challenges to deny McLaggon on the edge of the area as Nomads went into the interval two goals to the good.

The Second Half
It was quickly 3-0 after the restart and it was another own goal which gave Nomads comfort. Jack Kenny’s low cross deflected off Barry defender Aiden Lewis and totally bemused Luc Rees as the ball flew underneath his legs and into the back of the net.

Harry Franklin added a fourth goal on the hour mark as he was in the right place at the right time to bundle home his ninth goal of the season. Noah Edwards’ cross aimed for Jack Kenny looped up in the air, goalkeeper Rees was unable to collect and Franklin capitalised from close range.

Ryan Harrington had been impressive down the left all afternoon and he rewarded himself with a fantastic goal to make it five. John Disney’s corner was cleared but only as far as Harrington and he made the most of his invitation to shoot, volleying into the bottom corner from the edge of the area in what has to be seen as the pick of the bunch.

The Nomads then made a triple substitution as Michael Wilde, Josh Williams and Dan Roberts all came on for Jack Kenny, John Disney and Ben Nash.

Top goalscorer Jordan Davies was not going to miss out on the act as Declan Poole’s fifth assist in four days gave Davies his well deserved goal as he continues to chase the JD Cymru Premier golden boot. Poole’s cross saw Davies make a darting run away from his marker, and he powered home his header to all but confirm The Nomads’ place in the top six.

The Nomads made two late changes as youngsters Jack Burman and Noah Sumner replaced goalscorers Harry Franklin and Jordan Davies for another taste of Cymru Premier action.

Michael Wilde secured yet another Nomads milestone as he bagged his 100th goal for the club. Callum Morris picked out the No.9 with a pinpoint delivery and there is only ever one outcome when you give Michael Wilde space in the area as the striker found the target with a well taken acrobatic effort to round off a fantastic afternoon in front of goal.

What the result means?
Ever since the start of the season, a place in the top six has always been the aim and now after an eleven league game unbeaten run and key victories over top six challengers, Neil Gibson’s side have Championship Conference football to look forward to.

With top six confirmed, The Nomads will still be aiming for maximum points from their four remaining games in Phase One as the cold, busy festive schedule kicks into gear.

Post-match reaction
Following the conclusion of the impressive victory, Neil Gibson gave his thoughts.

Next Fixture
Our attention turns to the JD Welsh Cup next weekend as we take on Cymru North side Flint Town in a Flintshire derby at The Essity Stadium. Although we both play at The Essity, The Nomads were drawn out as the away team, meaning Flint will be the hosts for our cup tie. The match will take place on Saturday 9th December with a slightly later scheduled kick off time of 5:35pm.

For those of you who can’t make it to The Essity, the match will be shown live on Sgorio’s online platforms and will be covered on our Twitter and Instagram pages.

Match Photos

Match Report by Adam Angerer