Oswell on target as Nomads earn point at Bay in league opener

Connah’s Quay Nomads began their JD Cymru Premier campaign with a 1-1 draw against Colwyn Bay at the Blue Turtle Arena on Sunday evening as Jason Oswell’s opener was cancelled out by Nathan Peate’s header.

The Nomads were rewarded for their bright start as Oswell met Max Woodcock’s pinpoint cross at the front post and headed into the far corner.

However, Bay levelled the contest nine minutes before half time through a well-placed header of their own as Nathan Peate found the bottom corner from Sol Forde’s cross.

A goalless second half meant John Disney’s side took home a point, although the result can be labelled impressive considering the tough environment of the Seagulls.

Team News
Chris Marriott led the Nomads out for the first time since being appointed club captain earlier this week, while latest signing Jacob Cook was named on the bench.

Dan Roberts and Noah Edwards had to serve their one-match suspension, meaning they were replaced by Dan Cowan and Abdi Sharif, who both made their first appearances of the season.

Not only was Bay manager Mike Wilde the only familiar face to everyone involved at the Nomads, but former players Jordan Davies, Aron Williams and Aeron Edwards also featured.

First Half
Both goalkeepers were forced into diving saves within the first 15 minutes as Bay’s Rhys Williams tipped away Woodcock’s effort from close range, before Kit Margetson got down low to deny Davies’ fierce strike from distance.

The hosts had a glorious opportunity to take the lead on 21 minutes as Aaron Williams’ volley from inside the area flew a whisker wide of the far corner.

Despite that chance, it would be the Nomads who hit the front moments later as Woodcock beat his marker down the left hand side and delivered a delightful ball into Oswell, who guided his diving header beyond Williams.

However, Bay found an equaliser through Nathan Peate in the 35th minute as he met Sol Forde’s delivery and headed into the bottom corner.

Second Half
The second half started much quieter compared to the first as both sides continued to cancel each other out in defence. There was a chance for Zeli Ismail to test Williams with a free-kick on the edge of the area, but the Bay wall blocked the powerful effort.

Disney then made four changes within the space of seven minutes as Eddie Servuts, Callum West, Rhys Hughes and debutant Jacob Cook all came on to replace Oswell, Ismail, Franklin and Bratley.

Bay did have the ball in the back of the net in the 72nd minute, but an aerial foul on Margetson from Louis Robles’ cross meant Sol Forde’s tap-in was disallowed.

Servuts nearly had a sight of goal in the closing stages as he raced onto Cook’s through ball, but Williams rushed off his line and both men had a nasty collision.

The treatment for Williams led to four minutes of stoppage time, but neither side could find a late winner, meaning the points were shared.

What’s Next?
It is time for John Disney’s first home JD Cymru Premier fixture in charge of the Nomads on Friday, 15 August as we host Bala Town at the Essity Stadium (7:45pm KO)

We had some great travelling support for today’s match against Colwyn Bay, so we hope to see many of you back at the Essity.

Match Photos

Match Report by Adam Angerer