Moran turns the tide for Rhyl

CONNAH'S QUAY bade farewell to a happy season at Cae-y-Castell, although they fell just short of a first-ever appearance in Europe.

But fifth place equalled their best league finish as they head back to Deeside Stadium next season, a move which they hope is also temporary as they plan for a new stadium.

Although this was a 'dead' rubber, both sides gave it all they had and the hosts could feel slightly aggrieved at losing out after dominating much of the play.

Phil Molyneaux could have done better from first-half chances, although former Rhyl keeper Paul Smith did well to keep out Marc Connolly's thundering 25-yard free kick to the top corner.

Smith also had to be alert to keep out a shot from Paul Roberts, making a rare start for the Lillies, but Quay's Adam Dickinson spurned the best chance when missing at the near post following a corner.

Molyneaux headed weakly at keeper Paul Whitfield on the restart but it was the visitors who made the breakthrough on 70 minutes. Nomads failed to deal with a Connolly corner and Dave Cameron's header found Andy Moran, who steered the ball into the net through a crowded box.

Moran was also involved in the second goal, sliding a neat cross towards sub Lee Hunt, which was turned into his own goal by Nomads' defender Dave Swanick.

Report and stats courtesy of welsh-premier.com