Keeper Firth is a true hero as Gibbo begins reign at Nomads with a massive cup win

NATHANIEL MG CUP SECOND ROUND REPORTS – AUGUST 6

Connah’s Quay Nomads 1 The New Saints 1
(Nomads won 5-4 on pens)

What a start for Gibbo!

First game in charge and he instantly ends The New Saints’ treble dreams!

Current Nathaniel MG Cup holders Nomads, who won this competition last season on penalties, maintained their grip on the trophy thanks to another shoot-out success.

Quite an opening gambit from new manager Neil Gibson, who last week replaced Craig Harrison, who moved on to…..TNS.

Quay returnee Michael Wilde’s first half goal was cancelled out by Ryan Brobbel’s 78th minute equaliser, meaning the game went straight to penalties.

Nomads keeper Andy Firth’s heroics led to Ryan Harrington burying the decisive spot-kick, sending the Deesiders through to the third round.

New signing Firth saved three kicks and scored one himself in a bizarre shoot-out which took 18 shots to settle.
Nomads have recruited well during the summer, adding a trio of Jon Rushton, Ben Nash and Callum Bratley, all from rivals Flint Town United, as well as the prolific and well-travelled Wilde.

Former Rangers goalkeeper Firth and attacker Harry Franklin from Aberystwyth have also landed at Deeside Stadium.

Gibson’s first starting eleven as Nomads manager comprised a team with a great amount of experience with George Horan taking the captain’s armband along with starts for Firth, Nash, Wilde, Bratley and Franklin.

There were also inclusions on the bench for youngsters Josh Williams, Jordan Pownall, Louis Holden and Jack Burman.

Wilde struck on 34 minutes when he was quickest to react to a goalmouth scramble from a corner and found the net.

Firth produced some fantastic saves in the second half before finally being beaten by Brobbel.

However, the new Quay custodian denied Saints a winner with a magnificent stop from last season’s Cymru Premier top scorer Declan McManus.

Aeron Edwards almost won it for the hosts, but his half-volley was saved by Connor Roberts.

SHOOT-OUT

TNS: Ryan Brobbel miss (0-0)
Nomads: Callum Morris scores (0-1)
TNS: McManus scores (1-1)
Nomads: Horan denied by Roberts (1-1)
TNS: Adrian Cieslewicz scores (2-1)
Nomads: Roberts saves from Wilde (2-1)
TNS: Firth saves from Ryan Astles (2-1)
Nomads: Danny Holmes scores (2-2)
TNS: Firth saves from Chris Marriott (2-2)
Nomads: Roberts saves from Aeron Edwards (2-2)

SUDDEN DEATH

TNS: Danny Redmond scores (3-2)
Nomads: Firth scores (3-3)
TNS: Jordan Williams scores (4-3)
Nomads: Franklin scores (4-4)
TNS: Keston Davies misses (4-4)
Nomads: Aron Williams misses (4-4)
TNS: Firth saves from Ben Clark (4-4)
Nomads: Harrington puts away winning penalty (4-5)

Caersws 1 Holywell Town 6

A Danny Andrews hat-trick, Dave Forbes double and James Cairns single put Holywell through with ease at Ardal North East underdogs Caersws.

Guilsfield 0 Ruthin Town 1

A stunning solitary goal from 25 yards in the 78th minute by Gwion Owen saw Ruthin into the next round of the Nathaniel MG Cup.