No luck for Nomads in Steelmen test

The Nomads' run of losses was extended to 7 games in a row after Port Talbot Town secured a 2-0 victory at Deeside this afternoon. Goals from Martin Rose in the first half and then Lee John in the second gave the steelmen three points that both sides desperately needed.

A practically unchanged side from last weeks visit to Lido was fielded by Nomads with the exception of Rowntree starting in place of the unavailable Danny Desormeaux. This was indeed a crunch match near the foot of the table with both sides stuck in a rut, with Nomads having been without points for six games whilst Port Talbot Town were looking for their first win in eight.

The Nomads started the game brightly with the first few chances, when the ball fell to McGregor's feet on the 6 yard box but it was the keeper Hall who was quickest to react, collecting the ball before player-manager could attempt a shot.
The opening stages of the game were definitely the home side's with Michael Hayes making runs that were again stopped by an in-form Steven Hall in goal. The Nomads' relatively positive play received a blow when, on 18 minutes Martin Rose scored a goal that looked all too easy as he strode into the box evading the challenging defenders and sent his side 1-0 up.

It seemed this goal affected the confidence of Nomads greatly as they never returned to the good form of the early stages of the game. Meanwhile the away sides play only improved after Rose's strike with lots more opportunities for them, most significantly on 35 minutes when Jack Rowlands mistake allowed Payne to link up with Brooks who sent the ball against the crossbar before bouncing back out.

Despite an array of chances for the Steelmen their lead at the half time break was still a goal to nil, with Nomads a team of low confidence who needed to come out in the second half with an inspired effort to attempt to get something from the fixture.

With play again proceeding after the break Michael Hayes had a chance, running onto a loose ball that was then collected well by Hall. Simon Everall was also a creator of positive play for Nomads throughout the game, but was consistently out muscled or brought down by a strong Port Talbot defence.

One of Nomads best chances of the game came on 50 minutes when a free kick awarded just outside the box was well headed by Jack Rowlands amongst a cluster of players, but the effort was wide by minimal yards.

Despite these chances for the Nomads it was Port Talbot who would soon look likely to extend their lead when Brooks hit the woodwork for the second time in a chance that was a let off for a Nomads side lacking at this point.

Sure enough Port Talbot's efforts were awarded on 56 minutes when in a counter attack, scorer of the first goal Rose set up the second, when he passed the ball to the well positioned Lee John who secured the second goal of the game placing the ball past Mcormick and into the net.

Now a team with zero confidence Nomads attempted to try and reduce the deposit with late chances from the likes of Hayes and Daniel Forde, who's pass to Hayes may have been a golden chance for Nomads if Lee Surman hadn't intercepted so brilliantly.

Port Talbot remained on top against Nomads for the final stages of the game, even when Nomads were enjoying some possession. They were awarded a free kick and corner in quick concession in injury time, however consistently poor delivery of set pieces in the game failed Nomads again as the ball was easily retained by Talbot keeper Hall.

After 2 minutes of injury time referee Kevin Parry blew the whistle to Port Talbot's delight and Nomad's commiserations. A defeat that is Nomads 7th consecutively from a game where they hoped to bring themselves out of their losing streak.

Their next game is a break from the Welsh Premier League and start their Welsh Cup campaign away from home against Caersws on the 7th December for a 2:30pm kick off.

Match Photos