Nomads book Semi Final place with derby win

Connah’s Quay Nomads secured their third consecutive place in the Nathaniel MG Cup semi finals with a 2-0 win over local rivals Airbus UK.

A first half goal from Callum Morris and a 90th minute strike from substitute Michael Wilde was enough to hand The Nomads the victory in a derby quarter final at the Hollingsworth Group Stadium, where the side were looking for their sixth consecutive victory over Airbus.

A much changed side started from Saturday’s draw with Llandudno as John Oyenuga was given the nod to make his debut and Melford Simpson handed his first full start.  Full time goalkeeper Rhys Williams also started after keeping a clean sheet in the previous round against Bangor City.  Ex-Nomads and 2016 play-off final winners Jamie Crowther and Wes Baynes started for Airbus, who came into the game top of the Huws Gray Alliance.

The game began to no major chances as The Nomads looked to take control of the encounter.  In the eighth minute Wes Baynes sent a long range effort over The Nomads’ goal, before Michael Bakare attacked the Airbus goal sending a chipped effort on to the roof of the Airbus net.

The Nomads began to edge the possession oin the game, limiting Airbus’
chances, which seldom threatened Williams in goal.  Bailey Jackson sent a powerful effort towards The Nomads’ goal from 18 yards, but his effort went wide.

Full time signings Simpson and Oyenuga tried to push forward and break the deadlock for The Nomads, but they were unable to break the Airbus defence as clock reached 30 minutes played.

Just over five minutes later, Callum Morris stepped up to give The Nomads the lead when he got on the end of a Matty Owen cross to head in from close range.  His goal was nearly followed by a strike from Mathias Bakare from around 25 yards, but the effort was held by the Airbus 'keeper.

The Nomads made a change shortly after the second half kicked off, replacing Melford Simpson with Michael Wilde who would go on to confirm The Nomads’ place in the semis.  Minutes later, Michael Bakare bowed out to be replaced by Ryan Wignall whose trademark pace caused problems on the wing for Airbus.

Matty Owen took a corner in the 63rd minute which went to Michael Wilde just yards from the Airbus goal, but his shot was blocked.  The Nomads began dominate play, going close again when  another Matty Owen delivery from a corner went close to goal where Pearson headed wide.

With just ten minutes remaining in the game, The Nomads were all set to enter the Nathaniel MG Cup semi finals for a third time, but had to remain wary of an Airbus side still fighting to get back into the game.

Mathias Bakare went close to finishing the game off when in the 85th minute when he had a rasping shot from inside the Airbus area palmed away, with the resulting corner cleared.

Wes Baynes was handed the opportunity to equalise late on for Airbus when they were awarded a free kick from 30 yards out, but his effort hit The Nomads’ wall with just three minutes of normal time remaining.

As Airbus looked to equalise, Matthias Bakare played in Ryan Wignall, who burst down the right wing in the 90th minute to send a well placed cross to Michael Wilde, who made no mistake just a few yards from the Airbus goal.  His goal all but ended the contest, and after three minutes of injury time The Nomads’ place in the semi finals was confirmed.

The Nomads’ semi final opponents will be JD Welsh Premier League rivals The New Saints, with the home and away sides to be decided in Wednesday’s draw at 1pm.

Andy Morrison’s side now move back to league football as they prepare for the long trip down to Barry Town United on Sunday 29 October for a 2:30pm kick off.

Match Photos

Match Report by Will Catterall