Nomads conquer the Nation

Saturday afternoon saw The Nomads enjoy a 3-0 win against Celtic Nation thanks to goals from Gary O'Toole, Trialist - John Dillon and Jay Colbeck.

Deeside welcomed the up and coming Celtic Nation of Carlisle, Cumbria who play in the Northern League Division One. This was a fixture looked forward to by both sides, for Celtic Nation a trip across the border for Willie McStay's side and for Nomads a chance to contest a more even pre season friendly at Deeside after visits from Dinamo Bucharest and Ludogorets Razgrad.

The game began with Nomads front man Gary O' Toole striking an ambitious shot from his halfway line which did not threaten goalkeeper Greg Flemming as the shot went well wide. Celtic Nation did regularly have attempts on goal, most being tame efforts which Terry McCormick could collect with ease.

The ambition of Celtic Nation was clear to see, with Nomads being tested for the first period of the game as their opponents began to pass well as Nomads were forced to chase for the ball. The scoring however was opened in a bizarre fashion when Flemming's kick hit O'Toole and deflected back into the goal. The remainder of the first half was an even game with both sides having chances, most significantly when a Trialist for Celtic Nation scored only to be ruled offside.

The second half was started in an accelerated fashion as Trialist John Dillon took advantage of a mistake in the goalkeepers clearance, being gifted the ball to then run into the box past Flemming and send Nomads 2-0 up. Celtic Nation would have felt unlucky to concede so early in the second half after a credible performance in the first.

Nomads began to feel more comfortable in the game, which saw the change of O'Toole and Evans upfront to new signings Colbeck and Rainford who both performed well. Later, Anthony Stanton replaced Chris Rowntree and relished his midfield role.

The third goal for Nomads came via the best piece of play seen in the match, when Nomads launched a counter attack after a Celtic Nation corner, moving swiftly through the midfield before Jay Colbeck was given a square ball inside the box to strike cleanly at the middle of the goal.

Nomads clean sheet was then threatened, when a defensive mistake left a Celtic Nation trialist with an open goal to then hit the ball wide of the left post.

This was a great performance from a Nomads side finding their feet with a 3-0 win against worthy opponents in Celtic Nation. Nomads wish their opponents all the best in the coming season, as they now look to the local trip to Holywell Town on Tuesday 22nd July for a 7:30 kick off.

Match Photos