Franklin and Oswell on target in pre-season win over Robins

A much more experienced Connah’s Quay Nomads side took to the stage on Tuesday night, as goals from Harry Franklin and Jason Oswell earned us a narrow 2-1 win over Newtown in our second pre-season friendly.

Declan Poole, Ben Nash, Chris Marriott, Rhys Hughes, Callum Bratley, Jayden Tang, and the returning Harry Franklin all made their first appearances of pre-season. New signings Dan Cowan, Zeli Ismail and Jason Oswell also featured for the first time.

Additionally, there was a special moment for young goalkeeper Elliott Collins, who played his first ever senior match for the club.

The Nomads instantly started on the front foot with Bratley having a low drive saved by Dave Jones, before Franklin and Oswell both saw efforts go narrowly wide.

However, the breakthrough eventually came on the half-hour mark as Franklin’s deflected effort from inside the area wrongfooted Jones and trickled past him at the near post.

Oswell, who wore the captain’s armband, grabbed his first goal for the Nomads just three minutes into the second half as he tapped home from Poole’s pinpoint low cross.

Nine substitutes were made on the hour mark, including the introduction of Max Woodcock, who saw both a cheeky flick and a powerful strike fly over the bar.

Elliott Collins later came off with his head held high after securing a clean sheet on his first senior start.

He was replaced by Ryley Berry, who instantly faced a hard task after one of our trialists conceded a penalty. Newtown forward Devon Torry stepped up from the spot and converted into the bottom corner to half the deficit.

The visitors pushed for a late equaliser, but the Nomads were able to see out the closing stages to make it consecutive pre-season wins.

What’s Next?
John Disney hopes to make it three wins from three pre-season matches as Nomads manager on Friday night as we host Denbigh Town at the Essity Stadium (7:30pm KO).

We have had a great turnout in both pre-season friendlies played so far, so let’s keep that theme going as we continue to build momentum ahead of the new campaign.