Nomads see off Bluebirds to reach Welsh Cup Quarter Finals

The Nomads progressed to the Quarter Finals of the JD Welsh Cup on Saturday afternoon with a 5-1 victory over Haverfordwest County.

Goals from Les Davies, Matty Owen, Tom Field and a Matty Williams brace ensured a comfortable Nomads victory, with Greg Walters netting a consolation for the home side.

The tie was The Nomads’ reward for a dramatic 3-2 victory against Goytre United in the third round, with Haverfordwest overcoming YMCA Newport, Undy Athletic and Afan Lido to reach the fourth round stage.

The Nomads travelled down overnight for the game and had a full squad for selection with the exception of recent signing Ryan Wignall who was cup tied.

A strong lineup including Kai Edwards, George Horan and Danny Harrison was announced with Michael Wilde leading the line.

The game began with both teams starting brightly in their bid to extend their cup campaign.  The Nomads experienced early chances with Davies heading a Wilde cross wide before Kai Edwards had a shot deflected off both goalkeeper James Gwilt and the post.

The Nomads did however break the deadlock in an excellent three minute goal rush.  Les Davies headed home in the 10th minute after connecting well with a Matty Owen cross, before Owen himself scored in the 12th minute, slotting the ball in from close range following a fine save from a Matty Williams header.

Williams was soon on the scoresheet however as he got the final goal of The Nomads’ scoring streak, which was also a strong header beating the 'keeper from around eight yards.

Three goals in three minutes put The Nomads firmly on top at Conygar Bridge Meadow, but Haverfordwest ensured the tempo of the game remained high with continued efforts to get at the Nomads end.

Controlling the game with their 3-0 lead, The Nomads put on an impressive passing display in the Haverfordwest half, with Wes Baynes and Kai Edwards having efforts go wide.

On 44 minutes The Nomads’ fourth came via Matty Williams who secured his brace with a close range effort just yards from the Bluebirds goal.

The hosts then reduced the deficit when Greg Walters sent an 18 yard effort into the bottom right corner of the Nomads goal just before the interval.

The goal was awarded in confusing circumstances with offside originally being given with the referee overruling the decision to award the goal, a role-reversal from a few minutes earlier when Kai Edwards looked to have scored for The Nomads only to see his goal ruled out for offside.

The Nomads went in disappointed to lose their clean sheet, but overall pleased with a dominant performance which persisted throughout the second half.  Changes were made at half time, with Jay Owen and Matty Williams replaced by John Disney and Tom Field.

Nine minutes after the restart Nomads got their fifth and final goal of the game, when from 18 yards Tom Field hit a controlled shot into the bottom right corner of the Haverfordwest goal after Matty Owen had burst into The Bluebirds box.

Minutes after Field’s goal The Nomads nearly conceded a second, when a Haverfordwest striker got in a great position only to send a curling effort wide from inside the Nomads area.

Further changes were made with Callum Morris coming on in place of Matty Owen in the 70th minute, a stage where The Nomads’ victory was in no doubt.

Haverfordwest’s tenacious work rate meant that The Nomads’ defensive line stayed alert, with Danny Harrison making a block to deny a cross into his area in the 82nd minute.

In the closing stages of the game both Tom Field and George Horan went for goal, but at full time The Nomads’ 5-1 scoreline reflected a composed and professional away performance from all involved.

The Nomads reward' for this victory is a tricky away tie against Prestatyn Town in the JD Welsh Cup quarter finals to be played on the weekend of 25/26 February.

The Nomads now return to Dafabet Welsh Premier League affairs, kicking off phase two at home to Carmarthen Town next Saturday, 4th February for a 2:30pm kick off.

Match Photos

Match Report by Will Catterall