Nomads emerge victorious in seven goal thriller

In one of the most entertaining games of the Welsh Premier League season so far, The Nomads defeated Prestatyn 4-3.  A brace in the first half from Apai Ukuno and a Sean Miller strike placed The Nomads 3-0 up at half time before Parker and Beattie brought Prestatyn level.  The game was won for The Nomads by a Jamie Crowther header in the 88th minute.

The game was a highly anticipated one, as it brought together two clubs battling to avoid the drop in the relegation play off conference.  The Nomads went into the game on the back of a great league victory over Carmarthen and a respectible 1-0 loss to TNS in the Welsh Cup.  Prestatyn had meanwhile been strengthening their form with draws at home against Carmarthen Town and Cefn Druids.

Three points were vital for The Nomads to widen the gap between themselves and the relegation zone, and for Prestatyn to climb out of it.  The travelling Nomads started a strong team including Jamie Crowther back from injury and Steve Evans sporting the captain’s armband.  Prestatyn showed their will to win the game with the inclusion of their star players Parker and Parkinson, who would play a vital role in the match.

The game opened ferociously with both teams battling from the off.  Apai Ukuno ran into the box pressuring the hosts defence and won a corner, before Russell Courtney tackled Parkinson just before he get a shot away at The Nomads' goal.

The Nomads soon took hold of the half with some great passing play - play which led to Apai Ukuno’s first goal.  Sean Miller ran rapidly down the left wing before crossing the ball to Ukuno, whose header looped over Prestatyn 'keeper Williams and into the goal on the 18th minute.  Prestatyn immediately retaliated, with The Nomads' defence remaining resilient in the face of the Seasiders' offence.

Russell Courtney could have sent The Nomads 2-0 up when Fraughan played a great ball from a long range free kick into the box, where The Nomads No. 6 shot from seven yards out was well saved by Williams.  The Nomads second eventually came when Fraughan this time passed to Miller who was in plenty of space inside the box.  He turned on the inside of a defender before smashing the ball into the net, scoring in the 34th minute.

The Nomads had now completely taken over the game, and it was not long before Ukuno got his brace when Fraughan earned his second assist of the evening in the 37th minute, hitting a ball forwards to Ukuno who only had to head the ball to once again loop it over the 'keeper and score from just inside the box.  The Nomads may have even gone 3-0 up if Sean Miller had not been tackled in the box before being able to get his shot away.

The Nomads seemed almost home and dry in at the break with a three goal lead, but after the break it became clear the game was truly one of two halves. Prestatyn returned to the field defiantly and soon had The Nomads on the back foot.

Their pressure was rewarded when in the 66th minute, after referee Ashley Jones pointed to the spot for a foul on Andy Parkinson.  Michael Parker took the penalty and confidently guided it to the right hand side of the net.

This goal began a phase of momentum for Prestatyn which saw them achieve a comeback of three goals in nine minutes.  After the penalty, they were awarded a corner, taken by Jordan Davies, whose cross met the head of Lee Beattie who put it behind McCormick to make the score 3-2 after 69 minutes, and add more nerves to the travelling Nomads support.

Prestatyn were now showing the desire and determination that The Nomads had displayed in the first half, and scored what seemed like the inevitable equaliser on the 75th minute through Michael Parker.
  
The game was now at a high level of tension, with the outcome of the game above prediction after such a turnaround by the Seasiders.  The Nomads looked to regain composure, and began to play more in the Prestatyn half.  They were also boosted by the introductions of Kieran Gaul and David Forbes who replaced Fraughan and Jones.
 
As time ticked away, The Nomads were awarded a corner.  The initial ball was cleared, but Sean Miller piked up the loose ball, floating a left footed cross to the back post where Jamie Crowther rose up and headed the ball powerfully in, sending The Nomads 4-3 up and the travelling Nomads Lads into ecstasy.

The game could well have finished 5-3, when shortly after, David Forbes broke free and ran into the Prestatyn box, but hit the post in a chance that would have ended the game if executed.

Nevertheless, The Nomads had done enough, as after two minutes of injury time the referee blew the whistle on a magnificent game of football in which realistically both teams deserved something from, yet The Nomads the team that came out on top.

This result sees Nomads stay 9th, with 31 points in the league table.

The Nomads will look to continue their good form against Cefn Druids on Saturday the 21st March at The Rock, with a 2:30pm kick off.

Match Photos