Connah’s Quay Nomads defeated Caernarfon Town 2-4 on Friday night to cap off a superb away victory and put them on the brink of European Qualification. Goals from Franklin, Hughes, Edwards and West led the Nomads to their first victory since the 3rd January, ending a six-game winless run. Caernarfon were the only team in the Cymru Premier that Connah’s Quay had failed to beat this season, but that all changed on Friday evening after a clinical display from the Nomads attack.
Pre-Match
The match was played at the Go Goodwins stadium- the home of Llandudno Town FC. This is due to construction currently happening at Caernarfon’s ground, The Oval which has meant that Caernarfon have had to ground share with the club that is 28 miles away from their home.
I arrived at the ground at 18:45 as fans started to come through the turnstiles you could sense the anticipation for this match between two great Welsh clubs who are both enjoying excellent seasons. These sides played out a thrilling 2-2 draw when they last played at this ground in mid-January so it was all set up to be a frantic encounter.
Nomads players working on some passing drills to get warm ahead of the clash.
Fans of both teams enjoy some pre-match food and refreshments on a very chilly night in Llandudno.
Caernarfon Town TV providing some excellent coverage as they prepare for the players to come out of the tunnel for the game to begin.
The Match
Connahs Quay came into the match on a poor run of form after conceding back-to-back injury time goals which led to defeats against Barry Town and TNS so were in high spirits to turn their form around. Caernarfon was searching for a win to keep their slim European hopes alive and were full of confidence knowing that they hadn’t yet tasted defeat against their opposition.
Nomads stand-in captain James Jones leads the Nomads side out as team captain Ben Nash continues to recover from injury.
Connahs Quay forward Harry Franklin puts his side ahead after just 20 seconds after breaking the offside trap.
A lightning start from Nomads sees them go one nil up on a pivotal night.
The team came flying out the traps as Harry Franklin raced through to give the visitors the lead. The forward has now scored in back-to-back league games as he looks to regain some form after returning from injury. However, Caernarfon hit back with an equaliser from a corner as Phil Mooney got the hosts back on level terms.
Nomads talisman Rhys Hughes slots away the penalty to restore the Flintshire side’s lead.
Attacking midfielder Callum West showing his excellent footwork in the box as he goes close to adding a third as Nomads end the half strongly.
The half-time whistle goes as Connahs Quay lead Caernarfon Town 1-2 after an action packed 45 minutes.
A brilliantly taken goal from Harry Franklin and a Rhys Hughes penalty gave Quay the edge at the break with Nomads looking to build on a strong first half performance.
Rhys Hughes on the ball at the start of the second half as the away side come out with plenty of intent to try and kill the game off.
Nomads assistant manager Jay Catton oversees the team tonight due to manager John Disney serving a touchline ban after picking up three yellow cards.
Connahs Quay were not to be denied as they went 1-3 up after some excellent midfield play from Noah Edwards saw him drive through the midfield to calmly finish into the bottom corner. The fans and the players knew just how big a goal that was as Nomads close in on Europe.
The team celebrates Noah Edwards’ goal midway through the second half to give them a two-goal cushion.
The official attendance at the Go Goodwins stadium was announced as 257.
As the game became more stretched, Nomads added a fourth through their young, attacker Callum West, who showed great composure to give Nomads an unassailable 1-4 lead. This was the most goals that the Quay have scored in an away fixture for 18 months just highlighting the progress made by the team this season.
Goalcorer West is substituted just after his emphatic finish to cap off a brilliant display.
Players from both sides leave the pitch at full-time as Connah’s Quay did their job by winning 2-4 .
An entertaining encounter saw Connah’s Quay earn a 2-4 victory after Morgan Owen grabbed a late consolation for the hosts with effectively the last kick of the game. The Quay have finally conquered Caernarfon for the first time this season and all eyes will be on Penybont’s match with TNS as if they lose Nomad’s will be back in Europe after two years.
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