Nomads improve in battling draw with Robins

Rhys Hughes’ third goal of the season was not enough for all three points on Tuesday evening as The Nomads played out a 1-1 draw with Newtown in the JD Cymru Premier.

Hughes was in the right place at the right time to score from Luca Hogan’s low cross just after the half hour mark, but Newtown drew level in first half stoppage time thanks to Aaron Williams’ header.

The Robins applied serious pressure in the dying stages of the match, but a series of remarkable saves from Jon Rushton ensured he would not be beaten again.

The result ends our three-match losing streak in the top-flight and we can take many positives into our next match, where we will aim for a return to winning ways.

Team News
Billy Paynter made four changes from our 2-1 defeat to Cardiff Met last Saturday. Dan Flanders was handed his first ever JD Cymru Premier start, while there was also a change in goal as Jon Rushton replaced George Ratcliffe.

Luca Hogan and Noah Edwards also returned to the starting lineup, with Jack Kenny and Fumpa Mwandwe named on the bench.

Newtown manager Scott Roscoe made just one change from his side’s 2-2 draw with Bala Town last Friday as Calvin Smith replaced Zeli Ismael, who dropped to the bench.

First Half
The Nomads went close to finding the opening goal after just seven minutes played as Elliott Dugan’s smart flick from Rhys Hughes’ cross flew narrowly wide.

Newtown looked destined to take the lead three minutes later when Josh Lock raced through on goal, but a tremendous block from Dan Flanders denied him. Former Nomad Callum Roberts tried to pick up the pieces for the Robins, but his effort was over the crossbar.

There was a great chance for Calvin Smith in the 19th minute as Newtown maintained their attacking threat, but his strike at the back post was a tame one, which untroubled Jon Rushton.

Rhys Hughes continued his lively start to the match as he was at the heart of the attack once more. Hughes picked up the ball on the edge of the area and took aim, only for his effort to take a wicked deflection and fly wide of the post.

However, the former Cymru U21 international was not to be denied at the second time of asking as he found the breakthrough in the 32nd minute. Luca Hogan did well to reach a long ball down the byline, before he delivered a low cross which Newtown failed to deal with, allowing an unmarked Hughes to calmly slot into the bottom corner for his third goal of the campaign.

Hughes nearly grabbed his and The Nomads’ second of the night just six minutes later, but his thunderous strike from the edge of the area rattled the crossbar.

The Nomads were dealt a sucker punch in the final minute of the half as Newtown got themselves back on level terms. George Hughes delivered the ball into a crowded area, and on hand was Aaron Williams, who headed into the back of the net despite Rushton getting a hand to the ball.

Second Half
It was a quiet start to the second half, but the chances eventually arrived just past the hour mark. Luca Hogan steered an effort narrowly wide from Rhys Hughes corner, while Rushton was called into action to deny George Hughes from distance up the other end.

Billy Paynter made two changes within the space of six minutes as Luca Hogan and Dan Flanders made way for Jack Kenny and Chris Marriott, who was celebrating his 35th birthday. Newtown also made their first change a few moments later as Ollie Sharp came on for Calvin Smith.

Kenny almost put The Nomads back ahead just nine minutes after he was introduced. Rhys Hughes’ powerful cross was aimed for the substitute, but a block from Joylon Harries was enough to take the ball past the post.

The resulting corner ended in a goalmouth scramble, where Declan Poole looked destined to fire home, only for his fierce effort to be blocked by Newtown captain Shane Sutton.

Scott Ruscoe’s side were on top for the final moments of the match, but deflected strikes from Rob Evans and Ollie Sharp saw Jon Rushton produce two incredible saves in quick succession to keep it at one apiece.

The Nomads made their third and final change in the fifth minute of stoppage time as Fumpa Mwandwe came on to face his former club, replacing Jordan Pownall.

However, Fumpa’s appearance was short lived as the final whistle blew, meaning the points were shared at the Essity Stadium.

What’s Next?
We are back in JD Cymru Premier action on Saturday, 28 September as we travel to Caernarfon Town, just 11 days since we defeated the Cofis 3-2 in the Nathaniel MG Cup Third Round.

Saturday’s match will be broadcast live on Sgorio’s online platforms and will kick off at 5:15pm.

Match Photos

Match Report by Adam Angerer