Nomads keep third consecutive clean sheet in Bala draw

The Nomads kept their third consecutive clean sheet in the JD Cymru Premier following a goalless draw away to Bala Town on Tuesday night.

Arguably the best chance of the match fell to Bala captain Nathan Peate, who was left unmarked from Nathan Burke’s corner, but he could only guide his header wide of the target.

The Nomads looked the more dangerous side in the closing stages at Maes Tegid with Aron Williams’ cross-turned-shot narrowly averting the bottom corner, but both sides were forced to settle for a point.

Team News
Billy Paynter made just the one change from our goalless draw with Haverfordwest County last Saturday as Fumpa Mwandwe replaced Ben Maher. Noah Edwards made his 50th competitive start for the club, while there were returns to the bench for teenagers Luca Hogan and Ryley Berry.

Bala manager Colin Caton also made just one change to his side as former Nomad Joe Malkin made way for Lassana Mendes, who was making his first competitive start for the Lakesiders in over two months.

First Half
Bala posed a threat in the opening 10 minutes, but they were unable to test George Ratcliffe. The Lakesiders’ more notable chance fell to Osebi Abadaki on the right hand side of the area, but Kai Edwards tracked back well to make a vital challenge.

Rhys Hughes had The Nomads’ first shot on target midway through the first half, but his curling effort from distance proved to be a comfortable save for Joel Torrance.

Utilising the wide areas worked wonders in our 3-0 win over Aberystwyth Town a fortnight ago, and that almost paid off once again as Ben Nash got his head to Chris Marriott’s corner, only for the Lakesiders to clear just before Jack Kenny could get the all-important touch on the ball.

Another chance arrived three minutes later as Noah Edwards’ dangerous low ball across the face of goal fell to Dan Roberts, whose first-time effort flew over the bar.

Second Half
It was nine minutes after the restart when Billy Paynter made his first change as Elliott Dugan replaced Fumpa Mwandwe in attack. Bala also made a substitution of their own as former Nomad Eddie Clarke came on for Lassana Mendes.

Abadaki was at the heart of a swift counter-attack as he aimed to drift into the area and get his shot away, but in his way was Chris Marriott, who used his experience to make a vital tackle.

Both sides made another change each as Luca Hogan replaced Jack Kenny up front, while Dan Malone replaced Hussein Mehasseb for Bala.

Bala captain Nathan Peate looked destined to put his side ahead when he was left unmarked from Nathan Burke’s corner, but the defender was unable to hit the target from close range.

Two more changes arrived for The Nomads as Rhys Hughes and Dan Roberts made way for Ben Maher and Aron Williams, who has recently returned from a minor injury.

Elliott Dugan nearly had his first sight of goal just moments after coming on as a substitute. He was picked out by a brilliant pass from Kai Edwards and tried to shoot on the turn, but his marker was able to instantly block the attempt.

Aron Williams then came agonisingly close to scoring a last-gasp winner when his cross-turned-shot curled narrowly wide of the bottom corner.

The Nomads started to dominate possession and pile on the pressure, but time eventually ran out, seeing both sides go home with a point each.

What’s Next?
The Nomads begin their defence of the JD Welsh Cup next Saturday as JD Cymru North side Guilsfield make the short trip to the Essity Stadium on Saturday, 19 October.

Kick off will be at 2:00pm and there will be live match coverage across our social media channels.

Match Photos

Match Report by Adam Angerer