Nomads conquer Cwmbran in Cup win

Connah’s Quay Nomads sealed their place in the JD Welsh Cup fourth round on Saturday afternoon with a home victory over Cwmbran Celtic.

• Nomads progress in JD Welsh Cup
• Michael Wilde goal disallowed in the first half
• Goals from Michael Bakare and Matty Owen put Nomads in control
• John Oyenuga scores his first Nomads goal

Second half goals from Michael Bakare, Matty Owen and John Oyenuga ensured The Nomads’ place in the next round with a win over the Welsh Football League Division One side.

Ryan Wignall started for The Nomads along with full time players Michael Bakare and Jake Phillips, with Michael Wilde captaining and leading the line.

The Nomads nearly went in front just three minutes into play, as a Michael Bakare header from a corner bounced near the Cwmbran Celtic goal line before being cleared.

The home side began to dominate possession as they looked to avoid a Welsh Cup upset, having nearly been eliminated from the competition by Goytre United in the third round last season.

Ryan Wignall caused problems on the right wing for Cwmbran, whilst Jake Phillips’ long range throw ins were a constant threat in the visitors’ area.

After 20 minutes, The Nomads were dealt a blow, as Wignall was forced off with an injury to be replaced by full time player John Oyenuga.

Oyenuga enjoyed an excellent individual performance, as his energy and skill produced a number of good crosses into the Cwmbran Celtic area.

On 30 minutes, The Nomads believed they had taken the lead via a Michael Wilde header inside the box, but in a bizarre situation, his goal was disallowed by the assistant referee due to an alleged foul from The Nomads’ striker after the referee had initially given the goal.

This led to a few minutes stoppage as the officials deliberated with a hard-done-by Nomads’ side who believed they should’ve been awarded the goal.

PHOTO: Here's the moment that Michael Wilde thought he had given The Nomads the lead only to get booked for an apparent foul... pic.twitter.com/pUzIQ4PVpq

— Connah's Quay Nomads (@the_nomads) 2 December 2017

After being denied their goal, The Nomads continued to push hard for an opener before half time, going closest in the 43rd minute when Michael Bakare chested the ball down in the Cwmbran area only to send a half volley inches over the crossbar.

During two minutes of additional time at the end of the first half, a Cwmbran Celtic corner triggered an end-to-end passage of play as The Nomads’ countered the set piece to have a corner of their own pushed away by 'keeper Lewis Watkins.

The second half saw The Nomads start strongly and they reaped the rewards with a goal five minutes after the restart.  Michael Bakare got close to the Cwmbran goal to send a Matty Owen corner kick into the net with a low, close range finish.

Michael Bakare continued to look dangerous in the Cwmbran final third, supported by the pace of John Oyenuga on the right wing.  A low cross from Bakare in the 54th minute nearly forced a Cwmbran defender into sending the ball into his own net, as his clearance attempt went just wide.

The Nomads’ second goal scorer, Matty Owen was unlucky not to double The Nomads’ lead earlier on, as a 20 yard effort from the midfielder was met by 'keeper Watkins on the hour mark.

As the game entered its final stages, the encounter was very much alive as The Nomads looked to restrict any Cwmbran chances by dominating possession. The Nomads made their second substitute with around 15 minutes to play, replacing Jake Phillips with Callum Morris.

Matty Owen consolidated The Nomads’ lead with a goal in the 80th minute. His
20 yard effort went neatly into the bottom left corner of the Cwmbran Celtic net to edge The Nomads closer to the fourth round.

The Nomads’ final substitution saw Matty Owen leave the field in place of Mathias Bakare, who joined his brother Michael on the field as The Nomads looked to fully secure victory.

They succeeded on 83 minutes as John Oyenuga picked up the ball 25 yards from goal, going on a run during which he beat multiple defenders before sending a tight angled strike past the goalkeeper.

After two additional minutes of injury time, The Nomads’ victory was confirmed and they entered the JD Welsh Cup fourth round.

They avoided a banana skin on a weekend of cup drama in which JD Welsh Premier League sides Cefn Druids and Prestatyn Town were beaten by lower league opposition, in addition to current holders Bala Town exiting the competition at the hands of The Nomads' next opposition, Aberystwyth Town.

Andy Morrison’s side welcome Neville Powell's side to Deeside Stadium on Friday 8th December for a 7:45pm kick off.

Match Photos

Match Report by Will Catterall