Nomads in New Year defeat

The first game of 2015 for The Nomads ended in a 3-0 defeat to Airbus, their scorers Rule, McGinn and Field.  This match was the second of the back-to-back derby fixtures over the holiday period, in which Airbus came out victorious on both occasions.

Airbus started the game with the same attacking vigour seen on Boxing Day, with Glenn Rule going on a run into the box only to be tackled by Ricky Evans.  Sean Miller launched an attack from The Nomads, going up-field on the right wing but was dispossessed by an Airbus defence that coped well throughout the game. The Nomads were forced into an early change when Gary O’Toole had to leave the field injured, prompting the introduction of Jack Chambers upfront.

The game went on as a battle in the midfield with no major chances, but the majority coming from the visiting Wingmakers.  They eventually earned their breakthrough on 26 minutes when Terry McCormick parried an Airbus shot only to see Glenn Rule strike the rebound in with his left foot.

Ten minutes after this goal, Airbus doubled their lead in spectacular style when Matty McGinn hit a half volley from outside the area which lobbed 'keeper Terry McCormick.  The Nomads had a chance to reduce the deficit before half time when Ricky Evans laid a ball onto Chambers, who hit the ball just wide from inside the Airbus box.

In the second half The Nomads came out and applied pressure on Airbus, who were forced to defend a number of corners from the home side early on.  Sean Miller ran in from the right hand side of the wing and struck the side netting.  When a Nomads corner flew into the Airbus box Ricky Evans headed it just over.  The game unfortunately was one not only of defeat, but injuries, with Steve Evans coming off, his replacement Ben Nash.

Ashley Williams had a great chance to score when he broke free of The Nomads' defensive line to go 1-on-1 with McCormick, who spread and saved well.  The third goal came soon after however, when from a short corner, Tom Field controlled, turned and sent the ball into The Nomads' goal, the second time he had done so inside a week.

More injury woes came The Nomads' way when Kevin McIntyre had to receive treatment and go off, with Tom Bibby coming on.  By now, the game seemed all but settled, and bar an attack which was stopped by the assistant’s flag, The Nomads had little chance to claim a consolation.

The game finished at 0-3, confirming Airbus as winners of both derbies over the festive period.  The result also confirmed The Nomads will see phase 2 in the play off conference, where teams positioned 7th-12th battle it out to avoid relegation and gain a place in the Europa League Play Off.

The Nomads play their next game away at Bala Town on Friday the 9th January, for a 7:30pm kick off.

Match Photos