Tudno take the spoils in five goal game

The Nomads narrowly lost out against MBi Llandudno by three goals to two on Saturday afternoon at Deeside Stadium.

Llandudno secured an important victory via Marc Williams, Lee Thomas and Mike Williams despite The Nomads scoring via Crowther and Morris.

The game saw the race for Europe intensify, with third placed Llandudno five points above The Nomads in fifth at kick off.  After qualifying for the quarter finals of the Welsh Cup, The Nomads were eager to climb up the championship conference whilst Llandudno looked to secure their top three position.

The game began with a blinding start, with Marc Williams putting Llandudno ahead in the third minute in the away side's first shot of the game from around 10 yards. Straight from the restart, Jamie Crowther then sent a shot low into the bottom left of Llandudno’s net to equalise, making it two goals within the first four minutes of play.

The Nomads then began to take control of the possession in the game, but couldn’t capitalise on the chances they created.  Sean Smith got within five yards of goal but his tame shot was collected by Roberts, before Crowther scooped a shot over the bar from a similar range, although his chance was ruled out by the offside flag.

In the 24th minute, Smith and Morris were involved in a melée inside the Llandudno area, but the tenacious away defence did not give them sight to shoot on goal.

With The Nomads unable to break the deadlock, Llandudno grew back into the game and tested Danby from a free kick 25 yards out, The Nomads 'keeper pawing at the ball before eventually controlling it.

Shaw of Llandudno sent a powerful effort towards The Nomads’ goalmouth from 20 yards on 40 minutes, but the effort sailed wide.

Despite both sides having good chances following the rapid start to the game, they went in with the fair scoreline of 1-1 at half time.

The second half began similarly to the first with another early goal, this time from Callum Morris in the 46th minute.  Darting into the box, Morris shot from eight yards to slot the ball into the bottom left corner of Llandudno’s net.

Minutes later, more drama unfolded, when Horan was found to commit handball and concede a Llandudno penalty.  New signing Jamie Reed stepped up, but John Danby went the right way to save before Smith cleared the danger.

The following period of the game was a tight affair, with a battle in the midfield conjuring no real opportunities for either side on the back of equally solid defensive displays.  The Nomads’ substitutions saw Ruane and Woolfe replace Miller and Parry, but this could not overcome a well organised Llandudno side.

When a Llandudno attacker was fouled inside The Nomads’ area, referee Parry again pointed to the spot, giving Tudno a chance to redeem their earlier miss.

Lee Thomas stepped up to score in the 74th minute, setting up the game for an enticing ending.  Ashley Ruane had a chance to find a possible winner for The Nomads when he found himself inside the Tudno area, but volleyed the chance above the crossbar from yards out.

Minutes later in the 82nd minute, Crowther sent a Baynes throw in towards goal from the left goal post, where Roberts made an instinctive save.

Llandudno then made The Nomads pay for their missed chances, when Mike Williams rose up from a corner ball to head his side into the lead with just five minutes of normal time left to play.

Despite The Nomads' last ditch efforts to find an equaliser, Llandudno held out to earn themselves an important victory in the race for European football.  The Nomads had competed well in a close game, but were left disappointed with chances gone amiss at vital stages in the game.

Following the conclusion of the game, a frustrated Andy Morrison said "... I know what's happened out there today, and anyone with a footballing knowledge knows what's occurred on the pitch there today, and I've just got to accept it and move on..."

Morrison's full post match interview with The Nomads' website can be listened to below;



The Nomads will aim to bounce back next Saturday 20 February, when they take on Airbus UK Broughton at the Hollingsworth Group Stadium for a 2:30pm kick off.

Match Photos