Nomads earn bragging rights with Flintshire Cup win

The second ever Flintshire Cup was won by gap Connahs Quay Nomads this afternoon with goals from Gary O'Toole and Luke Holden confirming a 2-1 win over neighbours Airbus. This game was to go down in history for the hosts as it saw the official opening of the Wingmakers brand new 3G pitch facilities with officials from the FAW present. Although an annual pre season friendly, the game offered good quality for spectators as both sides showed their determination to win ahead of the 2014/15 Welsh Premier campaign next week.

Nomads started the game with new signings Sean Miller from Chester and also Marcus Giglio ready to make their impact on the first team. Both sides started the game with vigour to attack, as Ricky Evans threatened with a header inside the 6 yard that Keeper Coates managed to keep out. Airbus' athletic approach to the game threatened Nomads early on, with the back three of Rowlands, McIntyre and Rowntree defending well.

The first goal of the game came the hosts' way, with Ryan Wignall storming through the Nomads box to strike the ball cleanly down the left side of McCormick's goal. Following this goal the game saw a period of the game containing a high amount of Airbus possession, with Nomads pressing to get their way back into the game.

Chances soon came their way, with Gary O'Toole missing narrowly after beating the Airbus defence. Nomads equaliser came after they were awarded a penalty for an airbus foul just inside the box, with O'Toole stepping up to convert it and making sure it was all level at the interval.

A revised side appeared for the second half with most of the team switching to the bench, seeing Holden and Rainford lead the team which included Craig Jones in the midfield with McGregor in his player/manager role at the back.

Holden started his game in the best possible way scoring from the off after a successful run into the Airbus final third he shot simply and beat the keeper to send the score 2-1 in Nomads favour. Anthony Stanton was forced to work hard in the midfield as Airbus looked to equalise, personified by the great save Rushton had to make minutes after Nomads goal.

As the game went on the faster and more entertaining it became with Nomads being forced to defend staunchly as Airbus continually attacked Rushton's goal to no avail with a back four performing superbly against last season's League runners up. An equaliser came so close for Airbus, had Mark McGregor not headed it off the line. The final few minutes of this year's Flintshire Cup became end-to-end, with Luke Holden's shot going high above the goal before Rushton was forced into another save. The full time whistle blew rewarding Nomads for their efforts and confirming a 2-1 Flintshire Cup win.

This was a game full of promise for Nomads ahead of the season as it showed a spirited performance against top-class opposition, with a large majority of the first team squad making appearances. Having now added a piece of Silverware to the club, Nomads turn to theWord Cup with a fixture against Rhyl on Monday 18th August before they begin the Welsh Premier League Campaign of 2014/15, against Prestatyn on the 22nd August.

Match Photos