Another stoppage-time equaliser gifted visitors Caernarfon Town a point at the Essity Stadium last Friday evening, but John Disney’s side have an awful lot to be proud of. Since a 2-1 defeat to the same opposition on September 23rd, the Nomads’ have achieved a club-record of 16 matches unbeaten in the Cymru Premier League. They trail leaders TNS by 13 points with eight fixtures to play, however European qualification is well within reach ahead of a crucial clash with Penybont tomorrow afternoon. Here is some behind-the-scenes of a matchday experience at the Essity Stadium in Flint.
Pre-Match
As myself and Brandon arrive at the Essity Stadium for 18:30 to soak in the atmosphere, mingle with other fans and watch the players put through their paces in the warm-up, you can sense the importance of this game in the Nomads’ hunt for the title. The New Saints (TNS) have won three consecutive Cymru Premier titles since Quay went back-to-back in 19/20 and 20/21, yet an impressive run that includes a statement 3-1 victory over TNS on New Years’ Eve has given people hope that former player John Disney can bring them a league trophy. Another slice of history. A disappointing JD Welsh Cup defeat to Llandudno in November was a bitter pill to swallow given how the draw has opened up since, however there’s still plenty to shout about so far this season.
Playing away from a ‘real home’ in their ground share with Flint Town United presents its own challenges, especially in attracting fans, but a genuine community of passionate volunteers and supporters make the club one for everybody. Take Sharon in the ticket office, Roma in hospitality, John Gray as president, Trevor Green as announcer, Rob as head of matchday operations and Adam completing media duties. While the players and coaching staff produce entertaining football on the pitch, without these people a matchday could not run smoothly off it. They are the beating heart of the Nomads!
In some fascinating team news, 16-year-old scholar and goalkeeper Dani Liepa was announced in the squad for the first time.
During
In a cagey affair that appeared fairly even throughout, both sides took home a point courtesy of penalties late in each half. Though the Nomads’ were unfortunate not to go ahead when a powerful Rhys Hughes was tipped around the corner by keeper Connor Roberts, the same player would not be denied after Callum West was bundled over and referee Tom Owen pointed to the spot. Former Everton academy product Hughes, 24, then rifled a clinical effort into the bottom effort and celebrated with his teammates.
After a half-time break where fans topped up on food and refreshments from the kiosk, the second stanza continued to ebb and flow as the Nomads and Cofis missed key chances to wrestle the ascendancy. With Nomads’ goalkeeper Kit Margetson producing several crucial saves to deny the visitors at one end, the hosts were visibly frustrated when stalwart midfielder Declan Poole missed a superb chance from close-range to double the lead and probably clinch the three points.
Spurred on by a vocal visiting support- whose spirit was never dampened by the rain- Richard Davies’ side were eventually rewarded for their persistence when Jason Oswell fouled Adam Davies and they were awarded a penalty of their own. Winger Sion Bradley then converted that golden opportunity, sealing a point that leaves them in fourth position on 36 points. They are riding high on confidence after an emphatic 4-1 victory over Colwyn Bay in the quarter-finals of the Welsh Cup at the end of January.
A random turn of events saw an affectionate cat lapping up the attention of fans throughout- climbing its way across seats and the bench of the press box. Much to my amusement.
Post-Match
The Nomads’ will be incredibly disappointed to concede a late equaliser for the third match running, leaving extra work in the chase of TNS, however the message should remain the same. With two fixtures still left against the leaders TNS, they must keep believing that the race is alive. It is increasingly unlikely as TNS continue to win games, but stranger things have happened. The mentality of former title-winner John Disney means the Nomads will not concede without a fight.
Despite thumping them 4-0 at home in November, Nomads have a tough task up next with a trip to Penybont. Victory there will cut that gap at the top to ten points!
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