Nomads produce second half blitz to sink Airbus

Connah’s Quay Nomads returned to winning ways in the Novira Cymru Premier with a 3-0 victory over Airbus UK Broughton in Tuesday night’s Flintshire derby at the Essity Stadium. 

Neither side could find the breakthrough in a tight first half, but Shane Flynn was introduced ahead of the restart and made an instant impact to head home his first goal for Connah’s Quay Nomads on his league debut. 

Jordan Hodkin also opened his account for the Nomads as he quickly doubled our advantage with a neat finish. Hodkin was involved once more in the closing stages as his saved shot fell out to Callum West, who fired in the rebound to continue his scintillating form in front of goal. 

This was the perfect response for the Nomads after a narrow defeat at Colwyn Bay three days ago, with John Disney’s side  now up to fourth in the league table. 

Team News

John Disney made four changes from last Saturday’s trip to Colwyn Bay as Frankie Deane, Harry Franklin, Rhys Watson and Freddie Redshaw all returned to the starting lineup. Shane Flynn made his way back into the matchday squad for the first time since our UEFA Conference League first qualifying round second leg away to FC Ballkani in Kosovo over two months ago. 

Airbus manager Mark Allen made three changes from his side’s 2-0 defeat away to The New Saints last Friday as Jack Parry, Brandon Diau and Kieran Evans replaced Mason Blackwell-Jones, Oliver Calland and Nathan Williams. 

First Half

Hodkin thought he put the Nomads ahead inside just four minutes when he received West’s pass and fired home at the near post, but the goal was disallowed after our deadline day signing was deemed offside. 

Airbus probably should have taken the lead in the 16th minute when Kaiden Cooke crossed into an unmarked Jack Parry, who headed wide from inside the six-yard box. 

Chris Renshaw made some crucial saves to deny Jordan Evans, George Peers and Parry to keep the scoreline goalless heading into first half stoppage time. 

The Nomads went closest to the opening goal with ultimately the final action of the half as Harry Franklin’s cross towards the back post found Max Woodcock, whose low drive fell to Hodkin inside the six-yard box, but Josh Stevenson’s block meant Airbus survived until half time.

Second Half

The Nomads made the dream start to the second half as Shane Flynn opened the scoring on 58 minutes. Flynn, who was brought on ahead of the restart for his league debut after dealing with a nasty injury for two months, escaped his marker to meet Woodcock’s corner and headed past Louis Fallon to score his first goal for the club. 

Hodkin also bagged his first Connah’s Quay Nomads goal just two minutes after Flynn’s opener as a swift attacking move saw West flick the ball on to Hodkin, who clinically slotted into the far corner from a tight angle to make it 2-0. 

John Disney’s side continued to threaten on the attack and forced Airbus into a defensive mistake when Franklin tackled Sean Moscrop. West retrieved possession and drove into the area, but when his square ball aimed for Hodkin struck the arm of Brandon Diau, no penalty was given despite the appeals as Diau’s arm was deemed to be in a natural position. 

Iwan Murray went close to grabbing his third goal of the season when he slid in at full stretch to meet Franklin’s low cross, but could steer wide of the target from close range. 

The Nomads put the result beyond doubt with 10 minutes remaining though, as Hodkin raced onto Franklin’s threaded pass and saw his effort saved by Fallon, who could only parry the ball straight into the path of West, who made no mistake converting the rebound from point-blank range to earn his 12th goal contribution in eight games. 

Airbus came extremely close to scoring a consolation goal in stoppage time, but substitute Oli Lanceley struck the crossbar with his looping header. 

The Nomads are now unbeaten in seven out of their first nine league games and have not conceded from open play in their last four home matches. 

What’s Next?

Connah’s Quay Nomads return to Novira Cymru Premier action this Friday, 18 September as Cardiff Met visit the Essity Stadium in what is sure to be another entertaining fixture. The Nomads will have many positives to build on from this Flintshire derby win, especially those from the second half. 

Tickets for Friday’s fixture against the Archers are available to purchase via our Fanbase link below:

Match Report by Adam Angerer