Franklin scores late winner as Nomads edge past Llanelli

Harry Franklin scored a late winner as Connah’s Quay Nomads climbed up to third in the JD Cymru Premier table with a 2-1 victory over Llanelli Town at the LHP Stadium on Saturday.  

Jac Norris fired Llanelli ahead on the half-hour mark, but the Nomads were level just 10 minutes later thanks to a sweetly struck volley from Noah Edwards on the edge of the area. 

John Disney’s side dominated proceedings in the second half and eventually found the crucial goal to complete the comeback as Franklin slotted home from Callum West’s cutback. 

The Nomads were the only team in the top-flight to win all their league games during November, so will be hoping to continue their bright form in order to confirm their spot in the Championship Conference over the next few weeks. 

Team News

Disney made two changes from his side’s loss to Llandudno in the JD Welsh Cup last weekend as captain Chris Marriott replaced Callum Bratley, while Dan Roberts started for the first time in the league this season, coming in for the absent Ben Nash. A start for defender Kai Edwards saw him surpass 500 games in his domestic football career.  

Llanelli manager Lee John made four changes from his side’s 6-0 cup defeat to Barry Town United as Harrison Bright, Sean Cronin, Danny Williams and James Lester all came back into the team. 

First Half

Neither goalkeeper was tested in the opening stages of the contest, with the final ball on each attack letting the Nomads down. 

The first real chance of the match resulted in a goal as Llanelli took the lead in the 30th minute. Nelson Sanca played a long ball in behind the Nomads defence, which Jac Norris controlled and fired into the bottom corner from inside the area.  

Harry Franklin almost equalised immediately when he was played through by Rhys Hughes, but the forward’s effort from close range was agonisingly denied by the post. 

However, the Nomads did find their leveller five minutes before half-time as Noah Edwards bagged his first goal of the season in style with a controlled first-time volley from outside the area. Edwards’ goal means the Nomads First Team have had 16 different names on the scoresheet in all competitions this season.

The turnaround was nearly complete prior to the interval when Dan Cowan headed back across goal from Hughes’ lofted free-kick, but the ball just averted Max Woodcock, who was rushing into the six-yard box. 

Second Half

When racing into the ball in that chance at the end of the first half, Woodcock picked up a slight knock and had to be replaced by Zeli Ismail ahead of the restart. 

The Nomads were kept at bay by the Reds for the majority of the second half, but the introduction of Callum West proved to be a major turning point. 

West, who had only been on the pitch for nine minutes after replacing Dan Roberts, played a key role in breaking down the Llanelli defence. The youngster raced down the byline with the loose ball from his own blocked shot and cut back to Franklin, who made no mistake in finding the bottom corner with a composed first-time finish. 

West came close to scoring himself in the final 10 minutes as he saw his dipping volley fly narrowly over the bar before his powerful effort from distance was tipped away by Alex Pennock. 

Llanelli substitute Bradley Gibbings thought he was fouled by Cowan inside the area in stoppage-time, but there was minimal contact and no penalty was awarded, seeing the Nomads hold on to claim a crucial three points. 

The Nomads have now visited all six South Wales teams in Phase One of the JD Cymru Premier this season and have claimed an impressive 16 points from 18 available. 

What's Next?   

The Nomads will be seeking for a fourth straight league victory on Friday, 5 December when fellow top six contenders Colwyn Bay visit the Essity Stadium (7:45pm KO).  

This will be a repeat of our opening day fixture, which saw Jason Oswell’s opener cancelled out by Nathan Peate’s header in a 1-1 draw. 

The Nomads are currently nine points clear inside the top six and have games in hand over the majority of the league, so will be hoping to confirm their place in the Championship Conference during the next few weeks. 

Match Report by Adam Angerer