Nomads on top in Welsh Premier friendly

Tuesday night saw The Nomads record a 2-1 victory against MBi Llandudno in an all Dafabet Welsh Premier friendly.

The friendly came in the wake of the significant Europa League first qualifying round draw, in which The Nomads found out they will face Stabæek Fotball of Norway whilst Llandudno will visit Sweden’s IFK Göteburg.

The Nomads started a strong line up consisting of a number of new signings including Ian Kearney, Lewis Short, Jay Owen and Michael Wilde.

The game began and the home side looked to create chances early on, winning a free kick in which Jamie Reed tried to assist Lewis Buckley, but the chance came to nothing.

In the thirteenth minute The Nomads won their first corner of the game, which saw Wes Baynes send a wicked ball into the Llandudno area, however no one was able to convert the chance.

The first half then settled as both teams looked to find their feet early in the pre season and with Europa League football fast approaching.  The Nomads began to increase their tempo towards the end of the half, seen when Davies, Morris and Wilde launched an attack on the Llandudno goalmouth that was eventually dealt with by the home defence.

At the start of the second half The Nomads introduced Ashley Ruane for Les Davies in a substitution that had a big impact on the game.

Eight minutes after play restarted, Ashley Ruane sent a powerful shot towards goal from 15 yards which the keeper tipped towards the crossbar - the ball bounced back towards a waiting Michael Wilde, who rose up to head the ball in at close range.

With a one nil lead, The Nomads began to play some entertaining, attacking football.  Ruane looked to get on the scoresheet when he latched onto a ball into the box from Baynes, with his shot going just wide. George Horan also rose high 15 yards from the Llandudno goal, heading wide.

The Nomads made their further two substations during the last 20 minutes of play, with Ian Kearney and Jay Owen making way for John Disney and Nathan Woolfe.

Despite The Nomads’ overall dominance, Llandudno found their way back into the  game with a Mike Williams goal in the 85th minute.  From a corner, Williams found the ball near The Nomads’ far post and slotted the ball in from three yards.

The Nomads did not accept this as a late decider, with Ashley Ruane netting the winner in 89th minute.  Michael Wilde cut into the Llandudno area from the left, and laid the ball to a central Ruane who slotted the ball firmly into the bottom left corner of the net.

This finalised a friendly victory against MBi Llandudno in which The Nomads had put on a disciplined and entertaining performance against Welsh Premier opposition.

They now continue preparations for the Europa League with a trip to Northern Ireland to face Cliftonville on Saturday 25 June.

Match Report by Will Catterall