League Title a Step Closer?

A highly-competent performance against a quality Penrhyncoch side saw Nomads gain a 3-0 victory on a night when even a floodlight failure could not stop the Deesiders' charge towards the championship title.

Boss Mark McGregor made several changes from the side that defeated Rhydymwyn on Saturday and gave a recall to goalkeeper Adam McGee who has been unable to oust Louis Mackin from the No.1 jersey for the past two months. In midfield, Tom Baker and Rob Jones came in for Jamie Petrie and Alan Hooley while James McIntosh earned a place alongside Gary O'Toole in attack.

Nomads were quickly out of the blocks and McIntosh soon made an impact, crossing for Andy Alston to head straight at the Roosters' 'keeper Llew Hughes in only the second minute before shooting just past an upright following a Rob Jones corner. Tom Baker also went close following a bout of head tennis in the visitor's six-yard 'box.

Almost half an hour elapsed before Penrhyncoch caused the home defence a problem and then Josh Shaw was unable to get on the end of a long ball from Tony Jones. Nomads were soon back on the attack with Rob Jones firing wide, after being set-up by O'Toole, before Danny Forde had a 'goal' disallowed following a goalmouth scramble.

On the half hour Mark Gornall was fouled by Nomads' skipper Craig Jones and centre-half Llyr Hughes stepped up to crack a 35 yard free kick which took a deflection and brought a diving save from McGee - the 'keeper's first action of the match. Three minutes from the end of the first-half a fine effort from Rob Jones, some 22 yards out, just cleared the bar and right on half-time Nomads took the lead.

Tommy Baker, advancing down the middle, spotted Ben Collins in the left channel. Collins collected the through ball in his stride, checked onto his right foot (yes, his right!) and scored his ninth goal of the season.

As if on cue, the floodlights failed as the players left the pitch - a case of deja vu for Penrhyncoch who encountered the same problem at Rhayader recently. Fortunately, the problem was soon diagnosed and the second half was only delayed by five minutes. Penrhyncoch quickly went in search of an equaliser and Dan James' cross was just glanced beyond the far post by Ashley Stephens.

This spurred the home side into life and Tommy Baker saw his shot strike the body of 'keeper Hughes. On 56 minutes Nomads doubled their lead and again Ben Collins played a big part. A quickly taken free-kick by Mark McGregor was turned into Collins' path by O'Toole, the left-back striding forward before hitting a perfect low cross into the Penrhyncoch goalmouth where James McIntosh slid the ball home.

Now the Deesiders began to turn the screw. Danny Forde saw his lob bounce twice on the crossbar after Hughes had just managed to get a glove on the ball, Gary O'Toole headed agonisingly past a post and Ben Collins almost grabbed another goal following a good run by substitute Jamie Petrie.

And it was Petrie who made Nomads' third goal in the 74th minute. Collecting the ball some 35 yards out he shot fiercely at goal and Hughes could only parry the ball which fell invitingly for Dean Thurston, on the pitch for only two minutes, to net his eighth goal of the campaign.

Try as he might, O'Toole failed to add to his impressive goal tally for the third successive match, being kept in check by John Foligno and Llyr Hughes throughout the game. That said, at least it proves Nomads don't rely entirely on Gary for their goals. Since he last found the net, seven different players have scored for the team.

NOMADS: Adam McGee, Ben Alston, Ben Collins, Mark McGregor, Andy Alston, Craig Jones, Tom Baker (Jamie Petrie 55), Rob Jones (Stuart Scheuber 55), Gary O'Toole, Danny Forde, James McIntosh (Dean Thurston 72).

Substitutes not used: Alan Hooley, Louis Mackin.