Firth makes late wonder save as Nomads take a point closer to Europe

The Nomads were held to a goalless draw against Newtown on Good Friday, but despite the frustration, it is still a point closer to securing second place and a spot in Europe.

After a very tight affair at The Essity Stadium, all the drama came in second half stoppage time as The Nomads were dubiously denied two penalties after Josh Williams was brought down inside the box, seconds before Aron Williams’ drive appeared to strike the arm of Henry Cowans.

Straight up the other end, Andy Firth kept his clean sheet alive by producing one of the saves of the season to deny Dom Smith from close range, which proved to be the last chance of the match as both sides shared the points.

Team News
There was just one change to The Nomads side that defeated Bala Town to reach the JD Welsh Cup final last weekend as Jordan Davies returned from suspension to replace Dan Roberts and join Harry Franklin and Jack Kenny up front. Captain John Disney, who celebrated eight years at The Nomads this week, made his landmark 200th appearance for the club.

Newtown boss Scott Ruscoe made one change from his side’s narrow 1-0 loss to The New Saints two weeks ago as Matty Jones’ suspension meant Shane Sutton returned to the line up.

The First Half
The Nomads posed a serious threat inside the opening 15 minutes at The Essity Stadium, but failed to test Newtown goalkeeper Andy Wycherley. Jordan Davies was dragged down inside the penalty area on two occasions, but the referee instantly waved away the penalty appeals.

Kai Edwards came extremely close to opening the scoring midway through the first half as Josh Williams’ outswinging corner sailed all the way through to the feet of the defender, but he was unable to steer the ball home from close range after being denied by a number of Newtown bodies on the line.

Just a couple minutes after Edwards’ chance, Ryan Harrington also went close to finding the breakthrough as his cross-turned-shot almost outwitted Andy Wycherley, but the Newtown goalkeeper was able to make a fingertip save.

The Second Half
Noah Edwards received a yellow card early in the second half, and the booking now means he will be suspended for next week’s visit to Cardiff Met.

Andy Firth was then called into his first real save of the match as he was able to stop Shane Sutton’s tame header from an outswinging corner.

There was a double change at full back for The Nomads as JD Welsh Cup semi final hero Aron Williams and Eddie Clarke replaced Declan Poole and Ryan Harrington with 20 minutes to go.

A short while later, John Disney came on for his 200th league appearance for The Nomads to replace Callum Bratley. Teenager Luca Hogan, who grabbed the assist for Aron Williams in last week’s cup semi final, was also introduced as he replaced Jack Kenny up front.

Aron Williams nearly made an instant impact off the bench as he sent two inviting crosses into a dangerous area, but once again, The Robins kept The Nomads at bay as the frustration grew around the ground.

Noah Edwards went agonizingly close to putting Nomads ahead in the 86th minute as his effort from just inside the area forced Wycherley into tipping the ball over the bar.

The Nomads appealed for two penalties in quick succession in stoppage time. Firstly, the referee saw nothing in Sutton’s challenge on Josh Williams, and then seconds later, the ball fell out to Aron Williams, whose shot appeared to strike the arm of Henry Cowans, but again The Nomads were denied a spot kick.

John Disney almost marked his landmark appearance with a late winner as five minutes into stoppage time, the captain poked an effort towards goal from Aron Williams’ cross, but again Wycherley came to Newtown’s rescue.

The Robins almost stole all three points as a floating ball fell to Dom Smith, who was astonishingly denied by Firth as the goalkeeper made himself big to maintain his clean sheet and earn The Nomads a vital point in their pursuit of another European journey.

Next Fixture
The Nomads can all but confirm second place and a spot in Europe with victory over Cardiff Met at Cyncoed Campus.

Victory would mean The Nomads could still be caught by Bala Town, but the Lakesiders would have to claim a minimum of seven points from their three remaining games, which includes a meeting with The Nomads in two weeks time, to have any chance of catching Neil Gibson’s side.

Our match at Cyncoed Campus will take place on Saturday 6th April with a 2:30pm scheduled kick off time.

Match Photos

Match Report by Adam Angerer