Morris' final game ends in tense draw as Harrington nets stunner

Ryan Harrington’s powerful strike salvaged a hard-fought point for The Nomads against Caernarfon Town on Friday evening as club legend Callum Morris bid farewell to the club.

It was a tale of the two goalkeepers, Andy Firth and Lewis Webb throughout the 90 minutes. The Cofis went ahead through Adam Davies’ close range finish but The Nomads were eventually rewarded for their dominance as Harrington fired home a superb equaliser to earn a point in the Phase Two opener.

The Nomads made two changes to the side that defeated Penybont 1-0 three weeks ago as the suspended Declan Poole and Harry Franklin were replaced by Aron Williams and Michael Wilde, who netted the winner in that victory over Bont. Midfielder Noah Edwards is still recovering from a recent injury.

The First Half
The chances came thick and fast in the opening minutes as Cofis captain Gruffydd Williams met a corner at the front post, but Andy Firth was equal to his effort at the front post.

Jordan Davies, who currently sits on 15 JD Cymru Premier goals this season, had a glorious chance to put Nomads ahead as his header from Aron Williams’ cross was straight at Lewis Webb, who made a comfortable save.

The visitors hit the front midway through the first half as a long throw-in was flicked on and into the path of Adam Davies, who slotted calmly beyond Firth to make it 1-0.

The Nomads were forced into their first change on the half hour mark as a heavy challenge to John Disney meant he was replaced by Josh Williams.

Lewis Webb came to Caernarfon’s rescue again in the 34th minute as he produced a diving reflex save to deny Jack Kenny’s powerful header.

The Cofis had two more fantastic chances to double their lead towards the end of the first half. Louis Lloyd crashed his fierce effort off the crossbar before goalscorer Adam Davies’ deflected shot from inside the area forced a tremendous stop from Firth.

The Second Half
Another opportunity went begging for The Nomads at the start of the second half as Aron Williams’ low driven cross found its way through to Jack Kenny, who probably should have ripped the net open from five yards out, but Webb was there again to keep his side ahead.

The frustration grew for The Nomads and they found themselves down to ten men on the hour mark. Michael Wilde was caught in an off-the-ball altercation with Cofis defender Phil Mooney, who went to ground holding his face. Wilde received a straight red card and will miss the next three matches for The Nomads.

The numerical difference in players certainly didn’t stop The Nomads from creating chances in the final third as Harrington’s defence-splitting through ball into Jordan Davies gave the striker a clean sight of goal, however he dragged his effort wide of the post.

The Nomads made a double change with 20 minutes to go as Jack Kenny and Aron Williams were replaced by Luca Hogan and Eddie Clarke.

Hogan’s first touch nearly resulted in the equaliser as a pacy low ball across the face of goal deflected just behind the youngster, meaning he was unable to tap home at the back post.

Finally, the leveller came courtesy of Ryan Harrington in the 76th minute. Harrington drifted onto his left foot outside of the area before unleashing an unstoppable strike into the bottom corner, leaving Webb no chance of the save.

There were bodies flying and heads in hands towards the latter stages of the match. Both sides had work to do in defence as Webb denied Jordan Davies’ strike from a tight angle before Ben Nash made a crucial tackle inside the area on Sion Bradley in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

Just a few more minutes of play and the outcome may have been different as The Nomads pushed and pushed for a late winner, but they were forced to settle for a point in their Phase Two opener.

The Nomads are 11 points clear in second-place with their eyes firmly set on securing another European tour. As for Caernarfon, they remain in sixth and are also in contention for European qualification this season.

Next Fixture
Neil Gibson’s side will continue Phase Two next weekend with a tough trip away to Newtown at Latham Park.

The Nomads edged past The Robins on Boxing Day as goals from Callum Morris and Jordan Davies secured a 2-1 victory in our landmark 1000th game in the Welsh Premier League.

Match Photos

Match Report by Adam Angerer