Nomads hit four in festive fixture

Connah’s Quay Nomads ran out 4-0 winners against Newtown in the JD Welsh Premier League on Friday evening.

• Michael Wilde scored a brace
• Wignall assists two and scores one
• Callum Morris scored Nomads’ second
• The win sends Nomads to second in the JD Welsh Premier League

The Nomads came into the game looking to bounce back from a midweek 3-0 defeat to The New Saints at Park Hall.  Changes were made to the starting lineup, with Ryan Wignall and Michael Bakare part of the Nomads’ attacking front line.

Club captain George Horan also returned to the lineup having served a four match ban, as did Andy Morrison who returned to the touchline.

After a quiet start to the game, interrupted by a series of set pieces, play began to flow in The Nomads’ favour.  In the 15th minute Michael Wilde sent a Michael Bakare cross towards goal but had the effort blocked.

Wilde found success a minute later, when he tapped in to score after a close range Ryan Wignall effort hit the post and rolled onto the Newtown goal line.

Just over five minutes later, Callum Morris doubled The Nomads’ lead after some good play from The Nomads’ attackers.  A Michael Bakare cross was parried by Wignall to Callum Morris, who controlled the ball in the air before finishing from just two yards out.

Whilst Connah’s Quay controlled the proceedings, Newtown did have chances to reduce the deficit, seen when Luke Boundford pounced to tackle Kai Edwards and run at goal, but his shot was sent way over.

The Nomads created good opportunities to extend their lead in the first half, with Wilde heading over the Newtown goal from six yards out after a cross from Callum Morris.

Wilde again went close in the 29th minute, when from a Bakare cross he headed wide inside the Newtown area.

Having held their 2-0 lead until the interval, Andy Morrison’s side came out strong in the second half. After he was stopped by a couple of controversial offside decisions, Wignall broke out to score in the 53rd minute.

Cutting into the area from the left wing, he composed himself before shooting low into the right hand corner of the Newtown goal, just where keeper David Jones could not reach.

With their lead secured, The Nomads made their first change, taking off an injured Sean Smith to bring on left back Joe Heath.

This straight swap bode well for the side as they fended off attacks from Newtown, who went close to spoiling The Nomads’ clean sheet with a free kick from the edge of the area which went just wide.

The Nomads next substitution saw Declan Poole replace Ryan Wignall, as Poole, a Nomads’ full timer, continued his comeback with a second appearance in the space of four days.

Newtown continued to push for a consolation goal, but The Nomads' defence, led by George Horan dealt with all challenges well.

Newtown’s Tom Goodwin had an effort from 25 yards on 84 minutes, but it sailed safely out for a goal kick.  Danny Harrison was then replaced by Matty Owen as The Nomads looked to see out the final few minutes of the game.

But The Nomads weren’t finished just yet, as in the second of three additional minute’s injury time, Michael Wilde sent a deft header in from around eight yards, assisted by a well placed Declan Poole cross.

The result sends The Nomads to second in the JD Welsh Premier League as they enter a double header fixture against Cefn Druids.

How is that for an early Christmas present?

Nomads come away 4-0 winners at Deeside tonight. Safe journey home to @NewtownAFC and a Merry Christmas to all in attendance and following at home.

Stay tuned for match reaction, and vote for your MoM now!

— Connah's Quay Nomads (@the_nomads) December 22, 2017

Match Photos

Match Report by Will Catterall