Williams sends Nomads into Welsh Cup Final with late strike

Aron Williams netted a dramatic 90th minute winner as The Nomads defeated Bala Town 1-0 to reach the JD Welsh Cup Final.

A moment of magic was required as we entered the dying stages of the second half, and up stepped Harry Franklin.

The attacker spun past three Bala defenders to find space in the final third. He then rolled the ball into the path of Luca Hogan, whose low ball sailed through to fellow substitute Aron Williams, who fired home into the roof of the net to send fans, players and staff into raptures.

Team News
Jordan Davies’ suspension meant there was only one change to The Nomads side that lost 2-1 to Caernarfon Town last weekend as Josh Williams returned to the starting eleven in attacking midfield. Fellow Cymru C internationals Noah Edwards and Ryan Harrington were also named in the lineup.

John Disney returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines as he joined teammates Jon Rushton, Luca Hogan, Eddie Clarke and Aron Williams on the bench.

Bala Town manager Colin Caton made just the one change to his side that won 1-0 at Cardiff Met last weekend as Nathan Burke was replaced by Ollie Shannon.

The First Half
Both backlines did their job in the first half and there were not many chances on goal, but The Nomads did force Bala goalkeeper Kelland Absalom into action as Josh Williams’ low drive was caught by Absalom, who was also in Tuesday’s Cymru C squad.

Centre back duo Ben Nash and Kai Edwards nearly found the breakthrough five minutes before the break as Josh Williams’ delivery was headed back into a dangerous area by Nash, and the ball fell kindly to Edwards, but his poked effort from close range was stopped by Absalom.

Andy Firth was called upon towards the end of the first half, but he made light work of the situation by comfortably Iwan Roberts’ tame header from Osebi Abadaki’s cross.

The Second Half
Bala came close to opening the scoring three minutes after the restart as a heavy from Andy Firth after retrieving possession saw him race George Newell for the loose ball, but luckily the goalkeeper made amends and was able to clear the danger.

Although they were nearly gifted the opening goal, moments later, they probably should have took the lead as Naim Arsan spurned a glorious chance. Osebi Abadaki’s cross from the right found the head of Arsan, who made a darting run into the box, but the Bala defender was unable to find the net with his header from close range.

The tension grew inside OPS Wind Arena as Bala captain Kieran Smith was shown a yellow card for a rash challenge on Jack Kenny. The Nomads made two changes a short while after as Aron Williams and Eddie Clarke replaced Josh Williams and Dan Roberts.

Bala threatened again, and Abadaki was at the heart of another attack. The forward cut inside onto his right foot and tried to bend his effort into the far corner. His shot took a wicked deflection off the head of Ben Nash, but luckily the ball flashed wide of the target.

John Disney was introduced for The Nomads and was back wearing the captain’s armband after recovering from a nasty injury. The No.2 replaced Jack Kenny whereas Luca Hogan came on for Callum Bratley.

The Lakesiders were reduced to ten men in the 87th minute as Kieran Smith received his marching orders for fouling Harry Franklin, which resulted in the referee having no choice but to show Smith a second yellow card.

Although The Nomads had the numerical advantage, the tie looked to be heading for a penalty shootout, but what was to come next was a moment that will forever live in Nomads history.

Harry Franklin’s sublime skill to skip away from three Bala defenders allowed him to slide in Luca Hogan, whose low cross averted Franklin at first, but thankfully Aron Williams was there to smash home and give The Nomads a late, late lead.

Bala threw everything into the six additional minutes, but it wasn’t to be their day as Aron Williams’ late finish proved to be decisive, meaning The Nomads book their place in the JD Welsh Cup final and will now travel to Rodney Parade, home of EFL League Two side Newport County, on April 28th to face either Cardiff Met or The New Saints.

Next Fixture
The Nomads are back in JD Cymru Premier action next weekend as Newtown make the journey up to The Essity Stadium. A win would put Nomads on the brink of securing yet another European campaign.

The match will take place on Good Friday, March 29th with a 12:30pm scheduled kick off time.

Match Photos

Match Report by Adam Angerer