Nomads and Lilywhites finish level

The Nomads travelled to Rhyl in what was a vital Welsh Premier League game. Neighbouring each other in the table with The Nomads ninth and their opponents 10th, the game was a six pointer.

Neither side were wishing to spend Christmas just above the relegation zone. Results for Port Talbot and Carmarthen would also be of significance for hopes of top six football.

The Nomads saw a side start that included Sean Miller and Ricky Evans, but an absence of Steve Evans and Gary O’Toole through injury.  Rhyl introduced an ever strong first 11 with the likes of Cadwallader and Bowen starting.

The opening period of the game went by with little incident, as both teams tested each other to find a breakthrough.  Aaron Bowen ran through onto goal but his release for the strike was tame with McCormick saving the shot easily.  Shortly after a dangerous looking shot for Rhyl went just wide.

The Nomads were looking to create chances down the wing via Sean Miller, who at many times cut in from the flanks but was fended off by the strong defence of Rhyl.  For much of the first half, half-chances were shared by both sides with no major goal scoring opportunities.  The opening goal came on 41 minutes, when Stanton sent a cross to Evans just inside the box, who laid the ball onto Rowntree who had his shot deflected into the net.  This was a healthy time to score for The Nomads as shortly after the goal the referee blew his whistle for the interval.

After play resumed, Rhyl had the first chance when Aaron Bowen had his shot blocked by The Nomads' defence.  Just before the hour mark Rhyl got their breakthrough in unorthodox fashion when from a throw in, McGregor had the ball deflected off his head and into the net past Terry McCormick. 

It was after this goal when Rhyl started to apply almost constant pressure until the full time whistle.  Goalscorer Chris Rowntree made a vital tackle on Mark Cadwallader who would have been through on goal otherwise.  Rhyl threatened via a corner when Bowen sent a header looping towards goal but McCormick was there to catch it.  A substitution saw Ricky Evans, who had taken a knock, replaced by Thomas Bibby.  Bibby looked to make impact on the game when he went on a run down the left wing but was caught offside.

As the game went on, the atmosphere inside the Corbett Sports Stadium grew tense as the crowd felt another goal in the game.  This was a near reality, when Rhyl had a free header inside The Nomads area go wide.  To the agony of the home support, Rob Hughes then had space in the box but took too many touches rather than take the shot – allowing McCormick to sweep and save The Nomads in a climactic end to the game.

Despite Rhyl’s second half efforts they were not rewarded, with the referee signalling full time at 1-1 after 3 minutes of injury time.  This was a performance in which The Nomads had held on, but did so in a way that showed their character and determination present within the side. 

The result sees The Nomads stay 9th, with wins for Carmarthen and Port Talbot increasing the difficulty of the chase for a top six finish.

Next up, The Nomads face Airbus in the annual double fixture, away on Boxing Day before returning to Deeside on New Years Day.

Match Photos