Nomads bounce back in Aber victory

Goals from Fumpa Mwandwe, Jack Kenny and Elliott Dugan gave The Nomads a crucial 3-0 win over Aberystwyth Town in the JD Cymru Premier on Friday night.

Aberystwyth had the better opportunities in the early stages of the match, including an effort from Rico Patterson which forced George Ratcliffe into a vital save.

The Nomads eventually grew into the game and took a two-goal lead into the interval courtesy of clinical finishes from Fumpa Mwandwe and Jack Kenny.

A third goal to wrap up victory eventually arrived late in the day as Ben Maher squared the ball for fellow substitute Elliott Dugan, who tapped home from close range.

Team News
It was a landmark appearance for captain John Disney, who played his 200th Cymru Premier appearance for The Nomads. George Ratcliffe, Dan Roberts and Jack Kenny returned to the starting lineup, replacing Jon Rushton, Luca Hogan and Elliott Dugan, who were all named on the bench.

Aberystwyth boss Anthony Williams made two changes from his side’s last-gasp defeat to Barry Town United last weekend as Rhys Davies and Harry Arnison replaced Devon Torry and Christoph Aziamale.

First Half
It was a bright and energetic start from both sides, but the first slight chance fell to the visitors. A low ball into the area seemed to be falling kindly to Frankie Ealing, but Chris Marriott came up clutch with a vital interception to avert the danger.

George Ratcliffe was soon called into action for the first time in the match as he produced a stunning fingertip save to push Rico Patterson’s low drive onto the post.

Another opportunity arrived for the Seasiders on the half hour mark as Niall Flint played a clever through ball into the path of John Owen, only for the striker to drag his effort wide of the target from a tight angle.

Those missed opportunities proved costly for Aber as The Nomads took the lead with 35 minutes on the clock. Marriott’s teasing cross was not fully cleared, and the ball fell kindly to Fumpa, who slammed home his fourth goal of the season and his first at the Essity Stadium this campaign.

Fumpa’s strike opened the floodgates, and The Nomads found themselves two goals to the good on the stroke of half time. A free-flowing move allowed Declan Poole to drift into space and slot into the path of Jack Kenny, who beautifully picked out the bottom corner with his curling effort.

Second Half
Ratcliffe produced another vital save just seven minutes into the second half, this time it was from Niall Flint’s powerful free-kick aimed at the near post.

Declan Poole and Rhys Hughes both tried their luck from long range as The Nomads searched for a third goal, but both men were off target with their attempts.

Billy Paynter turned to his bench for the first time in the match as goalscorers Fumpa and Kenny made way for Ben Maher and Elliott Dugan.

Maher nearly made an instant impact off the bench as his first-time strike from Noah Edwards’ pass forced Aber goalkeeper Dave Jones into a save.

The Nomads continued to dominate possession and were eventually awarded with a goal to secure all three points as Maher latched onto Disney’s accurate through and squared for fellow substitute Dugan, who raced into the six-yard box and guided his effort into the back of the net.

Hughes nearly added a fourth in the 87th minute, but his deflected strike from distance flew inches wide of the post.

There was to be no late drama and no comeback from Aberystwyth, meaning those goals from Fumpa, Kenny and Dugan were enough to secure a first league win at home this season.

The Nomads remain ninth in the table, but are now just four points adrift of a top six spot.

What’s Next?
The Nomads will aim to build on this victory away to Haverfordwest County at the LHP Stadium in Carmarthen next Saturday.

It was a joyful time on the road against Haverfordwest last season we ran out 3-1 victors thanks to goals from Ben Nash, Jordan Davies and Ryan Stratulis, whose halfway-line goal won the Sgorio Goal of the Season award for the 2023/24 campaign.

Kick off time against the Bluebirds will be 2:30pm.

Match Photos

Match Report by Adam Angerer