Cae Baker Boys No Match For Nomads

The defending Huws Gray Alliance champions overcame a hostile atmosphere and several questionable decisions to regain the league leadership with a convincing victory at Penrhyncoch this afternoon.

A host of contentious challenges and a raft of yellow cards threatened to spoil proceedings, but first half strikes by Danny Forde and Mike Robinson effectively settled the outcome before player-manager Mark McGregor completed the scoring midway through the second period to inflict only a third home defeat upon the Roosters this season.

McGregor welcomed leading goalscorer Gary O'Toole back into the fold after a four-match ban but the marksman spent the afternoon on the bench after injuring a knee on Thursday. Skipper Craig Jones returned to the side after missing the Welsh Cup win at Llanidloes last weekend, whilst Alan Hooley regained the no.11 shirt from Sam McNutt who was unable to travel. Rob Jones once again supported James McIntosh in attack for the second match running.

The game burst into life immediately when touchline flier Petrie gathered a McIntosh flick to round the host 'keeper and slot the ball home after just 66 seconds - only for the goal to be disallowed for offside. Three minutes later the game threatened to boil over after an incident between Petrie and goalkeeper Leigh Jenkins. The pair clashed on the edge of the penalty area when Jenkins denied the Nomads winger as he was poised to shoot and the game was held up for five minutes while both players were treated. Astonishingly, Petrie was booked for the challenge despite appearing to be the innocent victim.

Nomads were kicking up the pronounced slope and continued to batter the Penrhyncoch defence and when McIntosh was sent clear on the right his low shot was thumped into the net by Forde. This time the goal stood despite the violent protestations of the home defenders. Petrie limped off two minutes later and was replaced by recent capture David Dempsey.

The Roosters had already disposed of Cefn Druids in recent weeks and recorded two home victories over Rhyl last term, but little was seen of the home strikers as the visitors continued to pass the ball around on the heavy pitch. Dempsey was sent crashing to the ground by the home centre-back who had the temerity to claim innocence while Craig Jones was elbowed full in the face by a full-back who escaped admonishment.

On 27 minutes 'Tigger' had a shot deflected for a corner and from Dempsey's flag kick central defender Robinson rose to thump a header past a static defence to double the visitors' advantage. As the half drew to a close, Penrhyncoch launched a rare attack and John Rushton had to be alert to watch a close range effort pass his left-hand post. Then Jack Rowlands lost possession and gave away a free-kick on the left which was eventually scrambled clear for a corner.

After the break a comfortable Nomads appeared happy to let Penrhyncoch take possession before snuffing out any danger on the edge of their penalty area. A snapshot from 25 yards and a free-kick were all that the home side could muster, however, and each effort sailed high over the bar to ensure Rushton's afternoon continued untroubled.

Just after the hour victory was sealed by player-manager McGregor. Rob Jones took a throw-in on the right wing which Robinson headed on allowing the Nomads boss to nod the ball home despite the efforts of three defenders to knock him off the ball. Two minutes later the impressive McIntosh, who led the line well throughout the game, was through but 'keeper Jenkins held his shot at the second attempt.

Nomads were content to dominate possession now, allowing both Rhys Healey and Ben Alston to enjoy a brief run out in place of Rob Jones and Hooley, both of whom had done much to ensure the three points. Just before the end Healey tried his luck from 30 yards only for the Penrhyncoch goalkeeper to flap the ball away past his right-hand post.

The game was generally marred by constant flagging from the assistants who actually gave referee Jones little assistance worthy of the name. Yellow cards were flashed in all directions often for innocuous challenges and, occasionally, to the player who had been fouled. Maybe not an afternoon to remember but a result to cherish that sees Nomads back in pole position.

NOMADS: John Rushton, Jack Rowlands, Ben Collins, Mark McGregor, Michael Robinson, Craig Jones, Jamie Petrie (David Dempsey 15'), Danny Forde, Rob Jones (Rhys Healey 70'), James McIntosh, Alan Hooley (Ben Alston 80').

Substitute not used: Gary O'Toole.

Booked: Jamie Petrie, Alan Hooley, Jack Rowlands, Michael Robinson, Mark McGregor.

Attendance: 100