Kenny marks return with winner in Newtown victory

Connah’s Quay Nomads returned to winning ways in the JD Cymru Premier as Jack Kenny’s first-half strike secured a 1-0 victory over Newtown at the Essity Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Kenny, who was playing his first match in 2025 after serving a three-match suspension, tapped home from Declan Poole’s low ball in the 18th minute to open the scoring.

Both sides had opportunities throughout the remainder of the match, but thankfully Kenny’s goal was enough to give Billy Paynter’s side all three points.

The win keeps the Nomads in the race for the all-important seventh spot in the Play-Off Conference, which guarantees a place in the European Play-Offs come the end of Phase Two.

Team News
The returning Kenny joined strike partner Max Woodcock up front as Callum Bratley dropped to the bench. Kris Owens also made his first start since returning to the club as he replaced the absent Aron Williams.

New signing Cameron Ferguson was named on the bench, where he was joined by Fumpa Mwandwe, who was named in the matchday squad for the first time since November.

Newtown manager Callum McKenzie made three changes from his side’s 2-2 draw with Briton Ferry Llansawel last time out as Desean Martin, Joylon Harries and Devon Torry came in for Calvin Smith, Ollie Sharp and Rackeem Reid.

First Half
The Nomads applied pressure straight from kick-off, but were unable to find a way in behind the Newtown defence after 15 minutes played.

However, that changed three minutes later as Ben Nash fed the ball through to Declan Poole, whose low ball into the area from the right hand side was tapped home by Jack Kenny for the opening goal.

Newtown goalkeeper Julian Schwarzer-Garcia was called into action on numerous occasions as he aimed to keep his team’s chances of taking something from the match alive.

The most notable of those saves came four minutes before half-time as he had to make a diving stop to prevent Rhys Hughes’ powerful free-kick from flying into the top corner.

Second Half
Billy Paynter made his first switch at the restart as Callum Bratley replaced Kris Owens in midfield.

There were claims for a Nomads penalty just four minutes into the second half as Woodcock appeared to be fouled inside the penalty area, however, nothing was given.

Woodcock was involved in another dangerous attack as he received the ball from Kenny’s square pass, but the January signing saw his effort curl inches wide of the bottom corner.

Our latest recruit Cameron Ferguson - son of former Everton legend Duncan Ferguson - was then brought on for his Nomads debut as he replaced goalscorer Kenny up front in the 73rd minute.

The chances kept on coming for the Nomads and Schwarzer-Garcia was tested once again three minutes later as he had to be alert to stop Nash’s volley at the back post from Chris Marriott’s teasing cross.

There was a return to action for Fumpa Mwandwe, who made his first appearance since November by replacing Woodcock in attack.

Ferguson and Fumpa both played their part in helping the Nomads secure all three points as both men did extremely well in keeping possession.

Newtown’s only close attempt in the dying stages of the match came from midfielder Rob Evans, whose audacious strike from distance flew narrowly past the bottom corner.

There were to be no more goals, meaning Kenny’s sixth league goal of the season was enough to see us claim all three points.

What’s Next?
The Nomads will look to build on this victory next Saturday as Briton Ferry Llansawel visit the Essity Stadium (2:30pm KO)

We were victorious in both matches against Ferry in Phase One, firstly beating the Reds 5-1 away from home, before earning a 2-1 win in the reverse fixture courtesy of a stunning strike from Rhys Hughes.

Match Photos

Match Report by Adam Angerer