Nomads end year in disappointing defeat to Saints

New Year’s Eve saw The Nomads suffer a 4-0 loss to The New Saints in a top of the table clash in the JD Cymru Premier.

The league leaders showed their full-time quality as Brad Young’s brace, Josh Pask’s header and Ryan Brobbel’s lob saw Saints extend their lead at the top of the table.

Neil Gibson made three changes to the starting eleven that defeated Newtown 2-1 in our 1000th Welsh Premier League game on Boxing Day as Callum Bratley returned from injury to make his first appearance since the beginning of November.

Dan Roberts partnered Ben Nash in the centre of defence and Josh Williams was also named in midfield. A run of illnesses within the camp meant Jack Kenny, Kai Edwards and Noah Edwards were absent from today’s match.

The First Half
Saints took the lead inside eight minutes as Jordan Williams’ cross from the left hand side found the head of Josh Pask, who headed past Andy Firth.

Firth then made two brilliant saves to deny Leo Smith’s low driven effort and Brad Young’s one-on-one, which he probably should have tucked away.

Saints made the most of another glorious opportunity as they doubled their lead through Ryan Brobbel. The Nomads were caught out at the back and John Disney’s clearance fell straight to the feet of Brobbel, who was able to spot Firth off his line and curl the ball into the net for 2-0.

Another defensive mistake saw Brad Young add a third for Craig Harrison’s side on the half hour mark. Saints pressured The Nomads deep into their own box as Rory Holden intercepted Dan Roberts’ long ball, allowing Young to pick up a loose ball and find the bottom corner.

The Nomads had the ball in the back of the net as Dan Roberts nipped in to score from John Disney’s corner. However, the goal was disallowed for an apparent foul on Saints goalkeeper Connor Roberts.

The Nomads were nearly caught lacking in defence again as Firth was forced into a diving save to deny Jordan Williams’ curling effort from the left hand side of the area.

The Second Half
The frustration grew for The Nomads at the start of the second half as Saints continued to pile the pressure with Rory Holden forcing a crucial save from Firth.

Brad Young complete his double to make it four for the visitors. Danny Redmond picked out Young in space inside the area, and the forward slotted into the net in a similar way as to how he scored his first.

The Nomads made two changes as Michael Wilde and Ryan Stratulis replaced Josh Williams and Callum Morris as Neil Gibson looked for fresh attacking options.

However, the task of a comeback became even harder with Saints dominating possession. The Nomads had a glimmer of hope on the counter attack, but still found it hard to test Connor Roberts.

There were three more Nomads changes as Aron Williams and Eddie Clarke came on for Callum Bratley and Jordan Davies.

Tempers flared as we neared the full time whistle as both captains John Disney and Chris Marriott got into a heated altercation which saw them both receive yellow cards.

Ryan Harrington came agonisingly close to pulling a goal back for The Nomads in stoppage time as his powerful first-time strike from Ryan Stratulis’ corner flew inches past the post.

The Nomads suffer just their second league defeat at home in 23 months as Saints extend their lead at the top. However, Nomads remain in second and a healthy ten points clear of third-placed Newtown as the club eye another automatic European spot.

Next Fixture
The Nomads will close out Phase One of the JD Cymru Premier as we make long trip down to South Wales to take on Penybont at the SDM Glass Stadium with Neil Gibson’s side aiming to return to winning ways before the split.

Match Photos

Match Report by Adam Angerer