No Happy New Year for Nomads

The first game of the new year brought misery to Deeside where Aberystwyth ran out eventual 4-0 winners.  The Nomads enjoyed a positive first half but the visitors upped their game in the second, with Geoff Kellaway, Mark Jones and a brace from Chris Venables securing three points for the Black and Greens.

The Nomads went into the game with a positive frame of mind, with a spirited performance against Airbus UK and the opportunity of a rest after their New Years Day game was cancelled. Most importantly the game saw the introduction of four new signings with Russell Courtney, Michael Burns and Michael Jukes all starting with Lee Healey on the bench.

Meanwhile for the travelling Aberystwyth there was perhaps more on this game then to the Nomads as a top six place was still a possibility for mid Wales outfit. Aberystwyth had a full size squad to choose from with Geoff Kellaway returning from a three game ban.

In a game where both sides had attacking quality, Aberystwyth had a near chance seconds into the game with a cross of the ball that was saved by Terry McCormick. At the other end, O'Toole had a chance but blasted the ball over. 10 minutes in the first real chance of the game came with Mooney sending a free kick in to meet McGregor – who headed the ball to force a fine save from Aberystwyth keeper Mike Lewis.

The game settled with The Nomads seeing slightly more possession and still some great chances with O'Toole finding his point-blank shot go straight to Lewis as did Forde in a game that showed a great performance from the visitors goalkeeper. The new signings of the game were heavily involved with Michael Jukes playing a prominent role in the midfield but the issue of finishing continued when he could not take full control of the ball in front of goal when a chance came his way.

Towards the end of the first half Aberystwyth began to play better, perhaps a sign of what was to come in the second. The Nomads had to hold their breath when a defensive mix up let the ball free from Mcormick's grip, but luckily for Nomads the ball was cleared before an advantage could be taken.

Late pressure from the visitors continued with Mark Jones and Geoff Kellaway creating chances, with Jones hitting the side netting in a near goal for the visitors. Despite this late attack, Referee Iwan Griffith blew the half time whistle with the score goalless at 0-0.

The second half began with a bang from Nomads who had a number of shots before Jukes put the ball in the net but to be ruled out for being offside. Mike Lewis' good game continued with another shot from Gary O' Toole from close range was yet again saved.

Both teams looked for the breakthrough after the second half begun but it was Aberystwyth who found it first with Geoff Kellaway linking up well with his mid-fielders to send his side 1-0 up and handing The Nomads a further challenge for the home side who now found themselves behind despite a decent performance so far.

The confidence of the first goal showed for travelling men with Chris Venables getting a goal to put Aberystwyth 2-0 up, the game slipping away for The Nomads who now looked deflated, making changes to the team seeing Michael Hayes make way for new signing Lee Healey who looked to make an impact up front with Michael Burns coming off for Desormeaux in a change to the midfield.

Nomads were trailing against a team now boosted in confidence with top six aspirations in sight, but they were not totally out of the game with Lee Healey introducing himself with a powerful shot from far out that brought up yet another save from Mike Lewis, the probable man of the match for the afternoons game.

Paul Mooney had his effort saved when he picked up the ball on the edge of the box and fired the ball towards goal, his shot bouncing off the keeper and then cleared. The only success in front of goal in the game came for Aberystwyth, who went 3-0 up and certain winners when Mark Jones cut through the Nomads back line to score.

Fired up and against a now defeated Nomads, the visitors enjoyed one more goal before the full time whistle when Krzystof Nalborski linked up with Venables, who only had to tap the ball in to secure his brace and a 4-0 victory for Aberystwyth over the Nomads.

A game that promised so much ended with massive disappoint for the home side who with recent performances felt they were beginning a rejuvenation in form and fortune. The Nomads may be ruing chances they failed to convert in the first half as it was a sublime second half from Aberystwyth that put the game away from their reach.

Nomads look to put this result behind them in the fiery fixture of the flintshire derby, on Friday 10th January for a 2:30pm kick off.

Match Photos