Nomads no match for Saints

An away trip to Oswestry brought disappointment for the travelling Nomads, who lost out in a 5-0 defeat at the hands of the champions, TNS.  Goals from Chris Seargeant, Alex Darlington and Greg Draper cemented a bad day at the office for the away side.

The Nomads, as did every team have a challenge coming to Park Hall but theirs was made greater with little defensive options.  Due to suspensions and injury, Paul Mooney was forced to play in a more defensive role, but on a positive note we saw the return of Chris Rowntree into the starting line up after a long injury.

The game started with TNS taking early control of the game but The Nomads held out, with 'keeper Terry McCormick making a number of simple saves to keep the champions out.  This period of the game was to be short lived however, with Darlington making a run into the box and slotting the ball into the net all too easy.

The pressure continued, and it was evident of the full time home side's professional conduct when after 20 minutes of chances, they got their second goal thanks to some passing play that outsmarted the visiting defence and left Greg Draper with an easy tap in to score at the back post.

TNS' almost faultless play so far brought worry to The Nomads when The Saints were awarded a free kick just outside the box.  Chris Seargeant stepped up and sent the ball expertly over the wall and into the net giving McCormick no chance of preventing his team going in at half time with a 3-0 deficit.

The second half could not contrast from the first, with a three nil lead The New Saints continued to have the majority of possession and a number of chances, making it four nil when a great surging run from Chris Seargeant was expertly finished, chipping the ball up and into the net, finishing The Nomads' game inevitably.

Although the game was largely in the control of the home side, The Nomads did have some possession through Mike Hayes making runs into the box and forcing a couple of corners, but ultimately not enough to challenge TNS keeper Harrison.

The final goal of the game went yet again the home sides way with Darlington also confirming a brace when he made a powerful run into The Nomads' goalmouth and slotted the ball in with ease.

Shortly after, the referee blew his whistle ending a torrid match for the visiting side. Out played and out classed, The Nomads could have performed better at Park Hall, however this defeat is only our third in the season so far, and The Nomads will now know that no mistakes can be made at our next game away to Bangor City FC on the 1st November.

Match report written by Will Catterall

Match Photos