Nomads take three points from testing away trip

GENERO ADRAN NORTH REPORT – FRIDAY, MARCH 11

Llanfair United 0
Connah’s Quay Nomads 2 (Hamer 13, J Scott 90+2)

Nomads picked up three vital points towards their top-two quest from a Friday night clash at Latham Park, Newtown, which was a testing prospect less than two days before travelling to title contenders Llandudno.

With the league insistent the Deesiders play two matches in such close proximity, Jordan Parry’s side simply got on with it, claiming the win against a tricky Llanfair outfit despite being without main goal sources Kirstie Kural and Francesca Scott, who have netted 42 between them this season.

In fairness, both sides were struggling for personnel with Nomads travelling with 13 players and Llanfair having only 12.

From the get go the Nomads women set the tone with how they were going to play the next 90 minutes, as almost immediately Llanfair retreated into a low block and sat in out of possession to defend their final third.

Quay’s first chance came from a corner delivered to Jade Scott’s head, her effort not missing by much.

As the Nomads grew into the game, they took a 13th minute lead. After a well-worked short passing routine through the Llanfair defence, Tamara Hamer broke the deadlock with a clever tap-in.

The game quickly stagnated as the Nomads worked the Llanfair defence from left to right throughout the rest of the half. United’s Dotty Evans occasionally threatened on a break, one of her strikes flying straight at newly-signed keeper Meg Robinson.

Just past the hour, conscious of the game Nomads are to play in less than 48 hours against Llandudno, the visitors took off Annmarie Jones and Niamh Grimshaw, bringing on players with a combined age of 32 as Sienna Strapp and debutant Ella Wall joined the action.

It remained 1-0 until in added time, from 30 yards Jade Scott struck the ball full force and it found the net via a deflection.

Nomads assistant-manager Stephen Boyes said: “We as a management team are really proud of the squad tonight. We stepped away from our normal attacking style of play to play more of a possession game to reserve as much energy as we could.

“I’d like to make a special mention of players that had to overcome adversity tonight and take holidays from work, travel midweek over 2 hours, risk injury without sufficient rest time before their next game and who had to make alternative arrangements with their children and families.

“Their commitment has been outstanding and they thoroughly deserved the 3 points on the night.”

Llanfair

Melany Price, Chloe Brown, Ffion Davies (Catrin Johnson 74), Nora Davies, Hannah Lloyd, Emma Williams, Tonicha Lloyd, Liann Richards, Dotty Evans, Gemma Jones, Nia Ellis.

Nomads

Megan Robinson, N/A, Catherine King, Emily Luke, Tamara Hamer, Noelani Bouckley, Shannon Hobbs, Niamh Grimshaw (Ella Wall 67), Annmarie Jones (Sienna Strapp 61), Jade Scott, Amber Bailey.

TITLE RUN-IN

TOP FOUR

Wrexham Played 12 Points 30 (Goal Difference +48)
Llandudno Played 11 Points 28 (GD +51)
Connah’s Quay Nomads Played 12 Points 27 (GD +65)
Bethel Played 11 Points 22 (GD +44)

REMAINING GAMES

Wrexham

March 13: Pwllheli (away)
March 20: Llandudno (away)

Llandudno

March 13: Connah’s Quay Nomads (home)
March 17: Pwllheli (home – 7.30 pm)
March 20: Wrexham (home)

Connah’s Quay Nomads

March 13: Llandudno (away)
March 20: Bethel (away)

Bethel

To Be Arranged: Pwllheli (home)
March 13: Airbus UK Broughton (home)
March 20: Connah’s Quay Nomads (home)