Flashback – 5 years ago: Llandudno triumph at fellow Euro-chasers Nomads

Connah’s Quay Nomads 2 (Crowther 4, Morris 46)
Llandudno 3 (Marc Williams 3, Thomas 74 pen, Mike Williams 85)
JD Cymru Premier – Saturday 13th February 2016

Llandudno continued to impress in their debut Welsh Premier season with an impressive 3-2 victory at Nomads in this week five years ago.

The game saw the race for Europe intensify, with third-placed Tudno five points above the Quay in fifth at kick off.

Marc Williams put the visitors ahead in the third minute from the first shot of the game, but straight from the restart, Jamie Crowther fired low into the bottom left of Llandudno’s net to equalise.

In the 24th minute, Sean Smith and Callum Morris were involved in a melée inside the Tudno area, but the tenacious away defence did not give them sight to shoot on goal.

Llandudno grew back into the game and Danny Shaw’s powerful hit sailed just wide.

Despite both sides having good chances following the rapid start to the game, they went in with the fair scoreline of 1-1 at half time.

Half-time: 1-1

The second half began similarly to the first with another early goal, this time from Nomads’ Morris in the 46th minute.

Darting into the box, the midfielder shot from eight yards into the bottom left corner.

Minutes later, more drama unfolded, when George Horan was found to commit handball and concede a Llandudno penalty.

New signing Jamie Reed stepped up, but John Danby went the right way to save before Smith cleared the danger.

A close-fought spell ensued, with a battle in the midfield conjuring no real opportunities for either side on the back of equally solid defensive displays.

Nomads’ substitutions saw Ashley Ruane and Nathan Woolfe replace Sean Miller and Robbie Parry, but still a well-organised Llandudno defence stayed firm.

In the 74th minute, Tudno were awarded another penalty for a foul in the box and Lee Thomas stepped up to score, setting up an enticing ending.

Ruane had a chance to find a possible winner for Nomads when he found himself inside the Tudno area, but volleyed over.

In the 82nd minute, Crowther sent a Wes Baynes throw in towards goal, but Dave Roberts made an instinctive save.

Llandudno made the hosts pay for their missed chances, when Mike Williams rose to head home an 85th minute corner.

Despite Quay’s last-ditch efforts to find an equaliser, Llandudno held out to earn themselves an important victory in the race for European football.

Nomads: John Danby, Wes Baynes, George Horan, Paul Linwood, Sean Smith, Danny Harrison, Sean Miller, Jamie Crowther, Callum Morris, Robert Parry, Les Davies
Subs used: Ashley Ruane, Nathan Woolfe, Chris Rimmer.

Llandudno: Line-up not available.