Llandudno edge Nomads in top of the table clash

Sunday's Genero Adran North match between Llandudno and Connah's Quay Nomads saw Llandudno come into the game on the back of an impressing 14-0 victory against bottom of the table Denbigh as well as an 8-0 victory over Airbus.

As for The Nomads, a staggering 9-0 victory against Pwllheli and a 2-0 win over Llanfair just two days ago, meant the match was destined to be a competitive clash at the top of the table as both teams battled for promotion.

Llandudno captain Jasmin Dutton was out for today’s meeting with Nomads and so Sofie Owen was given the armband. There were also starts for Samantha Jarvis-Evans and Rebecca Jarvis-Evans as Llandudno looked to rotate their squad for their upcoming matches.

The Nomads had welcomed back first choice captain Kirstie Kural who missed Friday's meeting with Llanfair due to illness as well as a start for Sienna Strapp who replaced the absent Shannon Hobbs up front.

The Nomads began strong with Tamara Hamer seeing a lot of possession in the final third looking to create chances from everywhere. Llandudno eventually got a hold of the ball and enjoyed solid spells of possession but only led to a series of offsides, denying them of any goal scoring opportunities.

The Nomads were forced into an early change as Jade Scott had to be attended to after picking up a slight knock. After consultation with management staff, Friday's goalscorer against Llanfair was brought off and Cat King came on in her place.

The first goal of the afternoon came just before half time as Llandudno made the breakthrough after a cross into the box led to a goalmouth scramble which fell to Ceri Slaney who tucked away her low drive into the bottom corner to give Llandudno the lead.

Nomads did not hesitate to get themselves back into the game as their captain Kirstie Kural took aim from a free kick just outside the area but her curling effort was comfortable enough for Llandudno keeper Sara Williams to make the stop.

The first half was brought to a close by referee Iwan Lloyd as a half of end-to-end action saw Llandudno have the advantage after Ceri Stanley's calm finish.

The start of the second half saw Llandudno double their lead as Stacey Tradewell latched onto Ffion Owen's deflected cross leading to Tradewell poking past Charie Bolland, giving Nomads a harder task for the remainder of the match.

The Nomads halved the deficit just seven minutes later after a ball played over the top towards Niamh Grimshaw saw Grimshaw produce a powerful effort which was too much for Sara Williams to keep out. Protests for offside calls from the Llandudno players were waved away by officials and so Nomads had ensured this was going to be a tough contest for the final 30 minutes.

The Nomads were forced into another substitution as Amber Bailey looked to have picked up a nasty injury and so 16 year old Ella Wall came on in the middle of the park.

A dubious decision was made by the linesman as we passed the 70 minute as the speedy Sienna Strapp was played in over the top and with the goal in her sights but the flag was raised and The Nomads' team and staff were left frustrated.

Following a yellow card shown to Stacey Tradewell after a dangerous tackle, Tamara Hamer stood over a free kick in a crossing position which was delivered towards the far post, however as the ball looked to be creeping into the bottom corner, Sara Williams made a crucial diving save keeping the scoreline 2-1 heading into the final 15 minutes.

The first substitution for Llandudno saw goalscorer Ceri Slaney exit the field of play and on came Jessica Jones who impressed in her last match, bagging two goals and two assists against Denbigh.

Nomads goalscorer Niamh Grimshaw went down to what looked like a thigh injury and so Neve Twomey was called upon to take her place as The Nomads took no risks as they looked to get back in the game.

Llandudno's Maddie Williams then restored the two goal advantage as Stacey Tradewell found a pocket of space before laying off to Williams who placed her shot into the bottom corner leaving Charlie Bolland no chance.

Llandudno made their last two changes as goalscorer Stacey Tradewell and India Hassall were replaced by Susanna James and Hannah Smith. crosses from all angles and through balls which were claimed by Sara Williams.

So the full time whistle went and Llandudno had defeated The Nomads 3-1 in a top of the table clash in the Genero Adran North. Llandudno now move four points clear of The Nomads in second place and now face another tricky task against league leaders Wrexham. The Nomads travel to fourth place Bethel as they look to secure third position and will look to build on Sunday's loss after a spirited team performance. Nomads will hope to have a number of first team players back after a significant amount of absences recently.

Date Published: Monday, 14th March, 2022 - 12:15pm by Adam Angerer