Quay Scrap For Three Points

Two second half strikes - one from the penalty spot - earned Nomads a gritty win and a return to the top two positions at a windy Ponciau Banks, in a performance that proved they can win the hard way.

Both sides battled against the elements with the champions taking all three points in a game that perhaps neither side did enough to earn the spoils.

Ben Alston missed out after suffering an injury against Llangefni Town allowing Jack Rowlands another opportunity to stake his claim for a regular place. With Michael Robinson also missing from the backline, for the first time this season, fans favourite Andy Alston was able to return to the side having played less than an hour to date.

A strong wind swept downfield from the start and the plucky hosts were quick to take advantage of the conditions. After sending a couple of efforts wide of goal, Rhos striker Jamie Rogers hit a 20-yard effort from the left wing which John Rushton did well to palm over the bar. Slowly Nomads began to get a foothold in the game earning two corners in quick succession which came to nothing.

Rhos continued to pump high balls downfield causing consternation in the visitors' defence as the ball swirled around in the wind. Conditions underfoot were no better and both teams found control difficult on the bobbly surface. Rhos gained a left wing free kick for handball on 23 minutes but skipper Kevin Fitzsimmons sent his shot well off target. Apart from a couple of hopeful through balls for Gary O'Toole to chase, more in hope than expectation, Nomads created little in a forgettable first half.

Within four minutes of the restart, Nomads were handed a wonderful opportunity to grab the lead when a Rhos defender handled in the penalty area. This was just the chance O'Toole had been waiting for and he sent Gareth Rowland the wrong way from the spot to register his eighth goal of the campaign.

Within minutes, however, the hosts were back on level terms courtesy of another spot kick awarded by Andy Harms for a push on the edge of the area. Aaron Edwards blasted his kick past Rushton and we were all square once again.

Having spent much of the first hour relinquishing possession, Nomads' midfield took a grip on the game with Craig Jones being his usual ebullient self. On 69 minutes Danny Forde almost broke the deadlock following a sweeping move only to see his lob over Rowland bounce agonisingly past the far post. Rob Jones gave way to Iwan Williams soon afterwards and ten minutes from time the substitute grabbed the winner.

Andy Alston's long throws had been causing havoc in the home defence throughout the second period and it was from one such effort that Williams found the net. Rowland tried to punch the ball clear but failed to get much on it and Williams, proved his lethal close-range touch for the third time this season.

There was a concensus of agreement from players and fans alike that it is 'ugly' wins such as this which determine the difference between success and failure over the length of the season.

NOMADS: John Rushton, Jack Rowlands, Ben Collins, Mark McGregor, Andy Alston, Craig Jones, Jamie Petrie, Danny Forde, Gary O'Toole, James McIntosh, Rob Jones (Iwan Williams 70').

Substitutes not used: Alan Hooley, Rhys Healey, Jordan Beck, George Baxter.

Booked: Gary O'Toole, Jamie Petrie.

Attendance: 65