Nomads start with a point at Richmond Park

The Nomads drew to Carmarthen Town in their first game of the Dafabet Welsh Premier League 2016-17 campaign.  Despite the live televised game being full of attacking play from both sides, it ended goalless.

It was a much anticipated match as The Nomads' Welsh Premier opener following an impressive pre season during which they reached the Second Qualifying Rounds of the UEFA Europa League and had only lost one of their five pre season friendlies.

A strong lineup was named with the likes of Michael Wilde, Les Davies and recent signing Matty Williams leading the line.  Carmarthen announced an equally solid team including their new captain and former Aberystwyth man Lee Surman.

The game began and The Nomads immediately threatened the Carmarthen goalmouth, when Nathan Woolfe sent a dangerous cross into the area which was cleared.  Woolfe continued to cause Carmarthen problems, with another cross headed just wide by Michael Wilde in the twelfth minute.

It was then the turn of debutant Matty Willams, who sent a great half volley wide from a flick on assist by Wilde.  The Nomads showed no sign of halting their pressure on Carmarthen with George Horan having a shot blocked before Matty Williams had a header go wide.

Controversy then ensued when Lee Surman made a late challenge on Michael Wilde in the home side's half.  Referee Dean John deliberated over the decision before awarding Surman a yellow card.

As the half went on, The Nomads were dominating play but without being able to break the deadlock.  Wes Baynes sent a curling effort just off target, before Lewis Short nearly sent Woolfe through with a long distance throw.

Despite their efforts, the deadlock could not be broken before half time but The Nomads had reason to be confident after an impressive first 45 minutes of their season.

In the second half, The Nomads again looked to break down Carmarthen with Morris heading over the goal on 47 minutes.  Carmarthen then had one of their first real chances of the game when Declan Carroll sent a 20 yard effort on target with Danby holding the shot.

Matty Williams then got in a great position on the edge of the Carmarthen area, before flicking the ball to Woolfe who shot just off target.  Although they had not seen much of The Nomads' area, Carmarthen started to show more flair upfront. Liam Thomas ran close to a long ball on 62 minutes, with Danby collecting it well.

The games biggest moment then came when Ian Kearney was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Liam Thomas.  Kearney stopped Thomas who was almost through on goal just outside The Nomads' area, with Dean John sending him off and reducing The Nomads to ten men with more than 25 minutes to play.

The resulting free kick was well taken by Harling but saved by Danby.  Boosted by their one man advantage, Carmarthen now looked a confident side, making for a tough closing period of the game.

After Kearney's sending off, John Disney replaced Nathan Woolfe as The Nomads looked for a late win, with Lewis Short cutting into the area, only for Carmarthen to break with the danger cleared by George Horan in an end to end finish to the game.

After Ashley Ruane replaced Michael Wilde, the game culminated in a golden chance for Carmarthen which may well have won them the game.  Substitute Mark Jones received the ball from 30 yards out, and got past The Nomads defence only to send his shot skywards.

After three minutes of injury time the game ended and the Nomads went away with one point despite having looked like they'd take all three for large parts of the game.

Following the game, Andy Morrison said "In the first half we were so dominant - it was like The Alamo and we're coming away from home in the first game of the season and to do what we did to them - and to be fair, they stood up to it - we didn't quite get the bounce of the ball in the box, but we were do dominant, when if you get that first goal, I think we comfitably go on and win the game."



Their next game sees them travel to Bangor City's Bangor University Stadium, for a 3:00pm kick off on Sunday 21 August.

Match Photos

Match Report by Will Catterall