Nomads bounce back in Rhyl win

The Nomads beat Rhyl 2-1 in the Dafabet Welsh Premier League on Friday evening.  A goal from Zyaac Edwards sent the hosts ahead, before Les Davies and Tom Field ensured the vital away victory for The Nomads.

The Nomads came into the game off the back of relatively poor form, having sustained their second loss of their season the previous Saturday at Newtown before being knocked out of the Nathaniel MG Cup against The New Saints on Tuesday evening despite matching the champions for the majority of the game.

The Nomads’ lineup was again affected by injuries, with Wes Baynes on the bench after picking up an injury prior to Tuesday’s bout with TNS.  Tom Field and Les Davies started along with Danny Harrison who made his 50th start in the Welsh Premier League for the club.

The game began and The Nomads sought to dominate, with Woolfe winning a corner in the fourth minute which was headed wide by Davies.  Rhyl also sought to attack, with Danny Harrison making a good clearance to deter the likes of Alex Jones whose pace was effective for the Lilywhites throughout.

The first goal came against the run of play, when Rhyl countered The Nomads to send Zyaac Edwards into The Nomads' area, who shot low past Danby to send his side 1-0 up in the fourteenth minute.

Boosted by their lead, Rhyl had to deal with the countless attacking attempts from The Nomads and hit them on the break, which nearly worked for the second time when Rio Ahmadi was one on one with John Danby only to try and pass the ball, wasting his chance to shoot on goal.

Just as Rhyl had failed to double their lead, The Nomads levelled in opportunistic circumstances, when in the 37th minute a powerful 25 yard effort from Lewis Short deflected off Les Davies, beating 'keeper Owen Evans who thought the shot was going the opposite way.  Although The Nomads had trailed for a large part of the first half, this stroke of luck meant the sides were level at the break.

In the second half it was clear neither side wanted to settle for a draw, with both teams vying for top six qualification.

The Nomads continued to dominate possession but were unable to get a clear chance in front of the Rhyl goal.  Changes were made, with Callum Morris and Wes Baynes replacing Matty Owen and Nathan Woolfe and The Nomads took the lead just over an hour into the game on the 64 minute mark, when from a Lewis Short throw in the ball fell to Tom Field to the right of the Rhyl area where The Nomads' midfielder did not hesitate in driving the ball into the back of the net to score his first goal for the club.

The Nomads then made their final substitution of the game when Ashley Ruane replaced Matty Williams.  Sensing another goal in an end-to-end game, Rhyl surrounded The Nomads' area for the remainder of the game.  Former Nomad Mike Sharples had a looping header saved by John Danby, before Alex Jones made a great run into the area only for Danby to make a sweeping save.

Although The Nomads were forced to soak up pressure, they eventually established themselves as the game neared its conclusion.  Jay Owen was unfortunate not to send The Nomads 3-1 up when Owen Evans tipped his effort against the post.

After four minutes of additional time in which the likes of Davies, Short and Ruane held the ball in the Rhyl half, full time confirmed a great win and phase one double over the Lilywhites.

The victory keeps The Nomads second in the league and brings them ever closer to mathematical top six qualification.  However, next week they will turn their attention to the JD Welsh Cup third round where they welcome Welsh League Divison One’s Goytre United for a 2:30pm kick off.

Match Photos

Match Report by Will Catterall