Nomads triumph in game of two halves

Danny Forde grabbed a brace as Nomads overran their visitors with a second half goal blitz to end October with a much needed first league victory of the month. The industrious midfielder struck two early second half goals, with a Rob Jones effort sandwiched in between, as the defending Huws Gray Alliance champions produced a clinical six minute spell to see off a Ruthin side that had held their own through a goalless opening 45 minutes.

Late goals were added by player-manager Mark McGregor, the returning Sam McNutt and James McIntosh to complete a comprehensive rout by a winning margin to which the Deeside Stadium has become accustomed.   

McGregor had made a couple of changes from the side beaten 2-0 at Porthmadog last weekend, bringing in both Michael Robinson and Rob Jones at the expense of Andy Alston and injured teenage starlet Rhys Healey. Ben Alston and Louis Mackin both returned to the squad, though both had to settle for a place on the bench alongside new arrival David Dempsey.

Ruthin, meanwhile, paraded two former Nomads in their starting line-up in Danny Jellicoe and Kevin Garland while the ever-popular former Quay striker Tommy Mutton was on the bench.

On a chilly afternoon with a swirling wind Nomads kicked off playing towards the High School end of the ground. With Healey unfit and Iwan Williams having been transferred to Porthmadog yesterday, Jamie Petrie accompanied James McIntosh in attack while Gary OToole served the third game of his four-match suspension.

The opening exchanges were even with the visitors matching Nomads in midfield but offering little in attack. A head injury to Garland held up the game early on while the blustery conditions did nothing to help the players of either side. Indeed the first real incident of note did not occur until the 26th minute when Rob Jones struck a 25-yard free-kick against the Ruthin bar with goalkeeper Gareth Barker rooted to the spot.

Twice McIntosh went close before almost opening the scoring on 40 minutes when he just failed to make contact with a Forde header across goal from another Rob Jones free-kick. Jack Rowlands almost scored a minute later when his cross nearly caught out Barker at the near post and right on half-time Rob Jones jinked his way through the Ruthin defence only for his shot to be parried by Barker.

Straight from the re-start, however, the home side's intentions were clear. Nomads looked very positive and won a right-wing free-kick on 46 minutes which centre back Robinson met with a glancing header, Barker saving low down. Rob Jones curled a free-kick from the edge of the area into the keeper's arms a minute later and in the 53rd minute Nomads gained the breakthrough their passing game had threatened all afternoon.

McIntosh won the ball on the edge of the Ruthin penalty area before threading a pass to Forde who controlled the ball well prior to sending it cleanly into the far corner of the net. Three minutes later Craig Jones set-up his namesake Rob on the edge of the box and the midfielder drove it to Barker's left to double Nomads' advantage. Now the floodgates had been prised open so the home side took full advantage.

Ruthin had to change their game and introduced the former Nomads star Mutton to their attack. Still the hosts piled forward, though, and were soon three goals ahead. Another Rob Jones effort earned a corner although the ball was eventually cleared to Craig Jones and it seemed the danger had been averted. Instead, 'Tigger' nodded the ball to Petrie who swung an overhead kick high into the Ruthin box. Robinson neatly controlled the ball and flicked a pass towards Forde whose half-volley evaded three defenders before nestling in the net to a complete an impressive team move.

By now the home side were rampant and looked capable of scoring with each attack. Ben Collins was fouled on the left-wing and from Rob Jones' free-kick boss McGregor twisted backwards to head the fourth goal. The impressive Rob Jones was substituted by McNutt while home debutant Dempsey replaced Alan Hooley in midfield but still the chances came. A fierce low cross from right back Rowlands found McIntosh sliding in but the striker just failed to make contact.

On 82 minutes McNutt took advantage of a defensive howler between two Ruths' players and the 'keeper to slide home a fifth goal in his first league appearance since May. Two minutes later Ruthin were reduced to ten men when Jamie Price earned two yellow cards in quick succession. Then, with the game virtually up McIntosh headed in at the near post from McNutt's swinging corner to crown a super second-half showing from the reigning champions who returned to winning ways in style.

NOMADS: John Rushton, Jack Rowlands, Ben Collins, Mark McGregor, Michael Robinson (Andy Alston 80'), Craig Jones, Jamie Petrie, Danny Forde, Rob Jones (Sam McNutt 70'), James McIntosh, Alan Hooley (David Dempsey 70').

Substitutes not used: Ben Alston, Louis Mackin.

Booked:

Attendance: 87