Nomads Battle on with a point at Prestatyn

Bastion Gardens played host to a relegation show down on Saturday afternoon, where in a lively contested game the score finished at 1-1, Lee McCardle scoring for Nomads and Ross Stephens for the home side.

Both teams went into the game with a cup final attitude, this fixture dubbed a six pointer nationwide as a win for either side would give a huge push for survival their way and leave the losing team stranded in the relegation zone.

Nomad’s started a strong side with Mark McGregor starting for the third game in a row, along with the in-form Gary Roberts and Luke Holden. Prestatyn saw Lee Hunt make a start with January signing Chris Hartland watching on from the bench.

The game started lively, with an early chance for Nomads ruled out in the cruellest fashion as Luke Holden un-leashed a shot that bounced off the crossbar and looked in, however referee Mark Whitby could not be sure to give the goal and play went on level at 0-0.

The first half saw a number of chances led by O’Toole, who linked up with Roberts well to nearly lob Keeper Dave Roberts, but his shot sliced as he took it and a golden chance ended up tamely in the goalkeepers grip.

Prestatyn saw an equal share of chances but Mcgregor and McCormick held a strong defence, preventing the likes of Lee Hunt finding an early breakthrough.

The talking point of the first half was a red card shown to Prestatyn’s Lewis after a two footed tackle on Nomad’s Lee McCardle. This angered the home side and led to heated few minutes before the half time whistle, which meant despite a lively half the teams were both level at 0-0 for the break.

Nomads came back out a team ever ready for a battle as were The Seasiders as the second half resumed. This ensured both teams would battle it out for the goal that looked ever elusive as whenever either side attacked they looked dangerous, but the defences of both teams stayed solid.

Mark Whitby’s role in the game grew bigger in the second half when he showed a Red to Nomad’s Luke Holden for a second yellow offence. This meant that both teams were now equal with ten men and tightened the game even more.

All level, Nomads pushed on with their goal coming from a superb effort by Lee McCardle in the 74th minute. At first struggling to control the ball on the volley he got the better of Dave Roberts and smashed the ball goal-wards to send Nomads 1-0 up.

With fifteen minutes of fight left in them, Prestatyn attacked ruthlessly for the equaliser against a stubborn Nomads defence. At the opposite end Nomads may have went 2 goals up had Michael Hayes got more power onto his effort saved by Roberts.

The job was made harder for Nomads when Whitby again made himself known by showing the games third Red card to Ricky Evans for an alleged elbow on a Prestatyn player he battled for the ball with. This meant whereas Nomads had the luxury of playing against 10 men for a short while it was now Prestatyn’s turn, playing 10 men against 9.

On the 90th minute, Prestatyn delivered a sucker punch goal through Ross Stephens who found himself with the ball on the edge of the area and sent it rocketing past McCormick into the top right corner. After four minutes injury time in which neither side could find a winner Mark Whitby blew his whistle confirming a point for both sides.

This was a game of epic proportions, and one that no would have suspected to be a draw after such an effort from both sides in front of goal. Despite missing out on extra points Nomads remain 10th above the relegation zone with Prestatyn 11th and two points behind.

The fight for survival will continue for Nomads on the 12th April at the Deeside Stadium, where they welcome Port Talbot Town FC.

Match Photos