Derby day defeat in Phase Two opener

Connah’s Quay Nomads suffered a 2-1 defeat to Flint Town United on Saturday afternoon as Phase Two in the JD Cymru Premier got underway.

The Nomads started brightly at the Essity Stadium, but goals late in each half from Izaack Lambert and Luke Mariette gave Flint a two-goal lead to hold onto.

Dan Roberts produced a neat finish to half the deficit in stoppage-time, but the Silkmen saw out the last two minutes to take home all three points.

The result leaves the Nomads in eighth-place and now seven points adrift of seventh-placed Barry Town United, who sit in the only Play-Off spot available in the Play-Off Conference.

Team News
Billy Paynter made just one change from last Friday’s defeat to Bala Town as Ben Nash returned to the backline, seeing Dan Roberts drop to the bench. There was also a first appearance in the matchday squad for new signing Kris Owens, who returned earlier this week for his second spell at the club.

Flint Town manager Lee Fowler made one change to his side that lost 3-0 at Caernarfon Town last time out as Okera Simmonds replaced Ben Wynne.

First Half
The Nomads had the first sight of goal through Ben Nash inside just six minutes as the defender headed over the bar from John Disney’s floated cross.

Rhys Hughes, who currently sits at the top of the Cymru Premier scoring charts, forced Jack Flint into his first major save of the match as his curling effort from outside the area was tipped past the post.

Somehow The Nomads were denied the opening goal again with 18 minutes played as Declan Poole’s volley at the back post from close range was saved by the feet of Jack Flint.

It seemed Billy Paynter’s side were edging closer to the opener, but it was Flint who found the breakthrough against the run of play as Izaack Lambert met Elliott Reeves’ flick-on from a free-kick and volleyed home beyond George Ratcliffe.

Jack Flint was called into action once more for the Silkmen as he rushed off his line to make a challenge on Max Woodcock, who was inches away from latching onto a loose ball inside the area.

Second Half
Flint threatened on the counter-attack in the early stages of the second half, and Josh Jones looked destined to get his shot away from inside the area, but Disney tracked back superbly to make a vital interception from Luke Mariette’s through ball.

Mariette probably should have doubled his team’s lead shortly before the hour mark when he broke free inside the area, but he could only poke his effort straight at Ratcliffe, who got down low to make a vital stop.

Kris Owens was then introduced for his first match since returning to the club as he came on for Aron Williams.

Owens was right in the thick of the action as he delivered a series of crosses into the area as the Nomads searched for an equaliser, but the mood quickly changed as Flint doubled the lead in the 76th minute.

A swift breakaway led by Josh Jones saw the attacker slip in substitute Luke Mariette, who fired home at the near post to add to the frustration.

Fresh legs were provided as Dan Roberts and Tyler Berry replaced Poole and Woodcock.

Roberts made an impact as he pulled a goal back with a smart volley at the back post from Hughes’ pinpoint cross to set up an interesting final few minutes of stoppage-time.

Hughes had a glorious chance to snatch a late leveller as he stood over an indirect free-kick, which was awarded after Jack Flint dropped the ball and then recollected.

Hughes went for power and aimed for the top corner, but he was a whisker wide with his attempt and that was ultimately the last action of the match, seeing Flint claim victory.

What’s Next?
The Nomads will aim to bounce back from this defeat when Newtown visit the Essity Stadium on Saturday, 1 February (2:30pm KO)

Our home fixture against the Robins in Phase One ended in a 1-1 draw, but Ben Nash, Rhys Hughes and Jack Kenny were all on target as we stormed to a 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture.

We hope to see many of you at the Essity next week as we continue our quest of reaching the Play-Offs.

Match Photos

Match Report by Adam Angerer