No luck for Nomads in six goal game

Friday evening saw The Nomads lose out against visitors Aberystwyth Town who took all three points, winning 4-2.  Goals from Steve Evans and brother Ricky saw The Nomads take a two goal lead before Aberystwyth made their comeback through braces from Venables and Jones.

This match saw The Nomads eager to get back to winning ways after a disappointing loss at TNS the previous Friday.  Chris Rowntree returned from suspension and Anthony Stanton retained a place in the starting line up.  For Aberystwyth the ever formidable frontmen of Kellaway, Venables and Jones looked for a win to establish themselves as European candidates come the season split.

The game began brightly for The Nomads who went close through a wide effort from Sean Miller.  Ricky Evans worked well with an energised O’Toole to play him through on goal a number of times during the match.  The breakthrough came on 22 minutes when from a corner, Steve Evans on the far post, headed home.  O’Toole sent a powerful flick onto goal which Mike Lewis saved well to keep the score at 1-0.  Although they trailed, it was clear Aberystwyth were well in the game when Venables hit the crossbar just before half time.

The second half began in the best possible way for The Nomads when O’Toole was brought down in the box and Referee Mark Petch pointed towards the spot. Ricky Evans stepped up and joined his brother on the score-sheet on 49 minutes. The reply from the Black and Greens was almost immediate when Kellaway was delivered a square ball in front of goal but sent his shot wide.  An historic moment for the Welsh Premier League then came when Venables started the comeback with his 100th goal in the league.

Marcus Giglio showed his attacking strengths in the game, going on a run from the halfway line to the penalty area, but to have his shot go straight to the hands of Lewis. O’Toole then also mounted an attack in which he hit the side netting. The Nomads then made their only sub of the game, replacing Anthony Stanton with Jack Rowlands.

Aberystwyth levelled with an impressive header from Mark Jones, who sent the ball looping over the defence and into the far left of the net.  Jones enjoyed a burst of play after this goal, scoring his second just three minutes later to shift the advantage over to his side.

The Nomads mounted an all-out-attack policy in order to salvage the game, and came close to doing so when a Ricky Evans shot bounced off the post to the agony of the home support.  The visitors soon silenced hope of an equalizer when Venables celebrated his 100th goal with his 101st, striking against a limited Nomads defence who had been caught on a counter attack.

Minutes later, the full time whistle sounded and The Nomads were left to reflect on an evening which had started so well but ended in disappointment.  A strong display is a positive of the game for The Nomads, who were beaten by the dynamic attack of Aberystwyth.

The Nomads now move onto the festive fixtures, which sees them play Rhyl on Saturday the 20th, Airbus on Boxing Day and returning to the Deeside stadium to play Airbus again on New Years Day.

Match Photos