Connah’s Quay Nomads defeated Carmarthen Town by three goals to one in the club’s first home game of the JD Welsh Premier League campaign on Saturday afternoon.
The Nomads came into the game after a successful start to the season with a 4-0 win over Prestatyn Town, and Andy Morrison named an unchanged lineup from that game, giving Joe Heath his competitive debut at Deeside.
Carmarthen meanwhile came off the back of a 3-0 defeat to Llandudno, starting the likes of Lee Surman and Kyle Bassett who had recently re-signed for the Old Gold.
The game got off to a bright start with both teams attempting to take an early lead. Ryan Wignall impressed in the seventh minute by nearly sending The Nomads ahead when his shot from nine yards after a darting run was headed off the line despite looking set for the top right corner.
Carmarthen also threatened by forcing a number of corners early on in the game, but all failed to seriously threaten John Danby in goal for The Nomads.
As the first half went on, The Nomads enjoyed more possession and began to dominate in the Carmarthen half. After Callum Morris had a good opportunity inside a packed Old Gold area go amiss, Matty Owen hit the post with a low shot from eight yards out on 34 minutes.
Just three minutes later Ryan Wignall, who was causing major problems for the Carmarthen defence, was denied a great individual goal when he ran from the corner flag to the area only to have his effort pushed out for a corner by Lee Idzi.
But it was that corner which gave The Nomads’ their first goal, with play from the set piece eventually falling to Callum Morris who slotted into the centre of goal at close range to send The Nomads 1-0 up.
The home side were however dealt a blow just before half time when Ryan Wignall had to be replaced by Matty Williams due to injury.
The second half started with little action as The Nomads looked to once again establish themselves as the dominant side. This aim was implemented by Michael Wilde in the 55th minute who doubled The Nomads’ lead with a shot just off the Carmarthen goal line after goalkeeper Lee Idzi failed to deal with a Matty Williams effort.
A tenacious Carmarthen outfit fought back, winning two corners in quick succession before testing Kai Edwards who made a vital block on the edge of his area. The visitor’s pressure paid off when Lewis Harling ran upfield to execute a neat finish into the left corner of John Danby’s goal in the 70th minute.
Carmarthen’s goal meant The Nomads were in for a tight finish to the game, which they looked to see through by continuing to control the possession. Kai Edwards was unlucky not to get Nomads’ third when after a blistering run his shot was saved by Idzi.
Matty Owen was then replaced by Jake Phillips in the 85th minute as The Nomads edged ever closer to a home victory. George Horan looked to guarantee the win with a headed attempt, but was injured in the process, leading to a few minutes of stoppage for the skipper to receive treatment.
The three points were finally secured in the 88th minute when Jay Owen set up Matty Williams, who sent a powerful half volley past Idzi from seven yards to secure a Nomads’ victory at Deeside.
The win sees The Nomads stay top of the JD Welsh Premier League in the opening stage of the season, and sets up a clash with Llandudno, who, like Connah’s Quay also have a 100% record so far in the league.
The Nomads travel to Llandudno’s Giant Hospitality stadium for a 2:30pm kick off on Saturday 26 September.
Match Photos
Match Report by Will Catterall
Date: Saturday 19th August 2017
Kick Off: 2:30pm
Venue: Essity Stadium, Flint, Wales
Attendance: 164
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