Youngsters shine in pre season win

A Nomads XI of both academy and senior players secured a 4-1 over Denbigh Town in a pre season friendly on Tuesday evening.

The game was The Nomads' first pre season friendly since their UEFA Europa League campaign, which ended on Thursday evening after a 2-1 (3-1 on aggregate) defeat to FK Vojvodina.

With many players from that game rested, the squad featured the likes of Matty Owen, Nick Rushton, George Coulton and Ben Nash.
The Nomads latest signing Tom Field also made his debut having joined the club earlier in the day.

The game began and the hosts kicked off to a high tempo, which awarded them the lead in the seventh minute.  From a corner ball, Denbigh sent a low header into the bottom corner of Jon Rushton's net to score.

Although Denbigh were enjoying possession in the midfield, The Nomads did cause problems for them with Jake Jones sending a dangerous cross into the Denbigh area in the 15th minute, with the home side eventually clearing their lines.

The home side nearly increased their lead when they enjoyed two chances within two minutes, both saved at close range by Jon Rushton, who, determined not to concede any further, performed brilliantly throughout the game for The Nomads.

Following this, The Nomads equalised via a Matty Owen goal.  The Nomads' summer signing striking low into the bottom right corner of the net from around 18 yards.

With a goal back, The Nomads began to grow into the game after Denbigh's strong start, making for a even 20 minutes to end the first half.

It took only two minutes for a goal to come in the second half and it went The Nomads' way in spectacular fashion.  From the edge of the Denbigh penalty area, Jake Jones sent a lobbing effort towards goal which at first looked as if it would be dealt with by the 'keeper.  However, the ball came down towards him almost vertically and went into the left inside netting of the goal.

This was a great moment for The Nomads Academy product, who was one of two players to get on the scoresheet on his debut on Tuesday evening.

The Nomads third goal of the evening came just 13 minutes later, when, from a cross into the Denbigh box, a home player sent the ball into his own net with an attempted defensive clearance.

Despite The Nomads' 3-1 lead, Denbigh continued to stay in the game and create good chances. Former Nomad Alan Bull sent a shot just over the crossbar from 20 yards before he had a penalty saved superbly by Jon Rushton.

After replacing Connor Harwood, first team debutant Jake Leonard then came on to score The Nomads' fourth and final goal.  Despite being on for just minutes, he got himself in a great position in the Denbigh area to coolly slot a through ball into the net.

As the game drew to a close The Nomads were now in control of the game but this was not without chances from Denbigh which were neutralised well by Jon Rushton.

The Nomads now move onto their home pre season friendly against Salford City FC, for a 3:00pm kick off at the Deeside Stadium.

Match Photos

Match Report by Will Catterall