Nomads win final game before Christmas after dominant first half

First half strikes from Harry Franklin, Noah Edwards and Jordan Davies saw The Nomads prevail in their final home before Christmas against Pontypridd.

With no new injuries to the first team squad, Neil Gibson named the exact same starting eleven that overcame Flint Town in the JD Welsh Cup last weekend. There were returns to the bench for youngsters Jack Burman and Lucas Gregson.

The First Half
Pontypridd began the stronger side with Andy Firth being forced to make a strong diving save to deny Kieran Lewis’ curling effort.

End product proved to be a problem for both teams as we reached the midway stage of the first half, but it was The Nomads who hit the front as Harry Franklin scored his eighth home goal of the season.

Noah Edwards’ left-footed attempt from a tight angle was tipped away by Ponty goalkeeper George Ratcliffe but only as far as Franklin, who was able to tap home the loose ball to make it 1-0.

Edwards would have liked to have seen his effort rip the net open, but he wasn’t to be denied at the second time of asking as he added a second for The Nomads six minutes after Franklin’s opener.

Declan Poole grabbed his 11th assist in just eight games as he slipped in Edwards down the right hand side, and the No.14 oozed composure to slot home through the legs of Ratcliffe.

The Nomads weren’t creating many chances as they would have wanted to, but when they did create, Neil Gibson’s side made the most of the opportunities as Jordan Davies made it three with his 20th goal of the season.

Ryan Harrington raced down the byline and delivered towards the back post, Ratcliffe couldn’t get his hands to the ball, allowing Davies to connect with his darting run and head home to complete an impressive first half.

The Second Half
Ponty make their first change of the afternoon at the start of the second half as Owain Jones replaced Jordan Knott, who may have been taken off as a precaution after receiving a yellow card earlier in the first half for a foul on Jordan Davies.

The visitors were rewarded with their bright start to the second half as captain Clayton Green got his side on the scoresheet. A long ball in towards Ben Ahmun was headed down by the striker into the path of Green, who steered the ball beyond Firth.

The Nomads had a great chance to restore their three goal cushion when Jordan Davies’ deflected volley tested Ratcliffe, with the goalkeeper getting down low to make the stop.

Harry Franklin was eager to find his second of the afternoon, and probably would have came close to doing so if his low driven effort from Jack Kenny’s low cross wasn’t blocked.

Neil Gibson turned to his bench for the first time of the match as Aron Williams, Josh Williams and Michael Wilde replaced Declan Poole, Noah Edwards and Jack Kenny.

Ponty continued to find a way back into the game but simply couldn’t break down The Nomads defence, who were doing exactly what they were being asked of them.

Kai Edwards and Jarrad Wright both received yellow cards late on, but the tension didn’t affect the scoreline come the end of the four additional minutes as The Nomads held on to claim all three points in their final competitive fixture before Christmas.

The Nomads sit comfortably in second, and with a top six place already confirmed, Neil Gibson and his team continue to chase The New Saints at the top of the table.

Next Fixture
The Nomads return to competitive action on Boxing Day with an away journey down to Newtown. Goals from Harry Franklin, Ben Nash and Jordan Davies secured a 3-1 victory for The Nomads last time out against The Robins, so Neil Gibson will be looking for more of the same in ten days.

The match will take place at Latham Park on 26th December with a 2:30pm scheduled kick off time.

Match Photos

Match Report by Adam Angerer