Nomads storm to emphatic victory at Newtown

The Nomads picked up a vital three points in their pursuit of a top six spot in the JD Cymru Premier as goals from Ben Nash, Rhys Hughes and Jack Kenny secured an impressive 3-0 win over Newtown at Latham Park.

After an evenly contested opening period, it was a moment of magic from Declan Poole which helped find the breakthrough as his pinpoint cross was headed home by Nash.

Rhys Hughes had two free-kicks saved by Sam Ussher in the first half, but it was third time lucky from the dead-ball Hughes as he sent a superb effort beyond Usher and into the top corner.

Usher saved another Hughes free-kick moments later, but the goalkeeper could only parry the ball into the path of Jack Kenny, who was left with a simple finish to make it three and put the game to bed.

Team News
Billy Paynter made three changes from his side’s win over Trefelin in the JD Welsh Cup a fortnight ago as Aron Williams, Callum Bratley and Jack Kenny replaced Jordan Pownall, Ben Maher and Elliott Dugan. There was also a return to the bench for Chris Marriott following a short spell on the sidelines.

Newtown were playing their first competitive match with new manager Callum McKenzie in charge. He made two changes from the Robins’ 3-1 defeat to Aberystwyth Town last time out as Ryan Pryce and Tarran Hollinshead replaced Josh Lock and Joylon Harries.

First Half
Newtown started the opening five minutes on the front foot, and probably should have taken the lead as Zeli Ismael’s corner found an unmarked Jason Oswell, who could only head over the bar from close range.

Former Nomad Callum Roberts also went close for the Robins as his audacious effort from distance flew inches wide of the top corner.

The Nomads eventually grew more and more into the match, and began to test the Robins defence. Declan Poole’s dangerous cross-turned-shot looked destined for the top corner, but a headed clearance from Shane Sutton meant the attack came to an end.

Rhys Hughes then nearly added to his collection of fantastic goals this season when his first-time volley from the edge of the area swerved narrowly wide of the bottom corner.

However, Billy Paynter’s side were eventually rewarded for their spells of pressure in the final third as Poole’s cross from the left found the head of Ben Nash, who planted a terrific header into the bottom corner for first league goal of the season.

Second Half
George Ratcliffe was properly called into action for the first time in the match when he got a strong hand to Zeli Ismael’s free-kick from the edge of the area.

The Robins had their best chance of the afternoon on 55 minutes when Ryan Pryce’s inviting cross was somehow not turned home by Dom Smith a yard out at the back post. The ball was kept alive by Smith as he set up Shane Sutton, but the defender’s low drive was tremendously cleared off the line by Dan Roberts.

The hosts started the second half confidently, but their mood quickly changed as Callum Roberts was sent off for a second bookable offence following a foul on Jack Kenny.

Rhys Hughes reaped the rewards from the resulting free-kick as he curled a powerful effort past a wrong-footed Ussher and into the top corner.

Paynter then turned to his bench for the first time as Ben Maher replaced Callum Bratley in midfield.

A third goal arrived courtesy of another free-kick from Hughes just a minute later. The former Cymru U21 international’s set-piece was saved by Ussher, but the ball fell kindly to Kenny, who was left with a simple finish from close range.

Two more changes were soon made as both Chris Marriott and Jayden Tang came on for Noah Edwards and Jack Kenny.

Keeping possession was the main priority as we looked to hold onto our three-goal lead, and the final few minutes were not at all nervy. It was a crucial three points on the road as we moved up to seventh place in the table.

What’s Next?
We return to the Essity Stadium for the first time in over a month as we host Caernarfon Town in the JD Cymru Premier on Tuesday, 3 December.

It will be a crucial match for the club as victory could see us leapfrog Caernarfon and move into the top six. We will kick off against the Cofis at 7:45pm.

Match Photos

Match Report by Adam Angerer