MATCH OF THE DAY: Genero Adran Trophy – Nomads manager staying grounded despite win over champions

GENERO ADRAN NORTH GROUP 1

Connah’s Quay Nomads 2 (Redfern 2, Spearing 25)

Llandudno 1 (E Jones 89)

Nomads manager Jordan Parry is keeping his feet firmly on the ground despite his team claiming a morale-boosting early-season victory over the Ardal North champions today.

First-half goals from Aimee Redfern and Natasha Spearing were enough to earn the Quay maximum points and qualification for the Genero Adran Trophy last 16.

Llandudno launched a strong second half comeback, but Ella Jones had a 58th minute penalty saved by Molly France before the striker atoned for the miss by pulling a goal back late on.

Nonetheless, it was a significant victory for the Nomads in this first battle of the season between two sides expected to be challenging for the Tier 2 title.

Parry said: “Today was an excellent contest from both sides. As far as the opposition goes, they are the champions so we as a group have huge respect for them.

“Today’s game I felt we were dominant from the minute to last and thoroughly deserved the win. In and out of possession, I felt we were the stronger team which should give the players so much more belief going into the season,

“On any other day we finish 5/6 past them. Llandudno of course have their threats and caused 1/2 moments of quality, 

“What I felt at times where they had more moments was down to us wanting to play our certain style of football and I suppose I can take that, without risk, there’s no reward.

“What’s evidently clear is that when this group of players commit like they have done since pre-season then we can really put ourselves in a good position to compete with top teams. We just need to keep our feet on the ground. Forget today’s game and move onto the next one. Extremely proud of my players today.”

Llandudno manager Billy Fuller said: “Connah’s Quay kicked off with a little deceptive move, feigning play on the left but played right. Though alive, we later did not deal with the cross and CQ went ahead unchallenged within a minute.

“To be fair, CQ bossed the first half with quick interplay and finding overloads with their quick play. They managed a deserved second, however, against the run of play Llandudno missed a great chance with Ella shooting wide and Kelsey being forced wide on a one on one.

“Though it would have been criminal to go in 2 apiece at the break, CQ were in the ascendency. After the break, Llandudno made a tactical tweak with late arrival Maddy coming on for Molly and  then the second half.

“Though I appreciate I am biased, it was a tale of 2 halves. Llandudno now broke better, had chances and spurned a few half chances. CQ saved a penalty and then again their keeper pulled off a great couple of saves. Ella with all her good work finally got her just rewards and scored off a half chance to put it 2-1.

“We stretched CQ a little more but overall, CQ on their first half performance especially deserved the win. Special mention to Sioned as she moved into central midfield in the second half and really provided some much needed energy which was not present in that first half and really made a difference.

“Some promising performances in the second half asked a few questions; we now need to keep at those levels for 90 minutes, not 45. Congratulations to CQ.”

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

2 min – GOAL: Nomads take the lead when Phoebe Ellis’ corner is not dealt with and the ball trickles over the line, AIMEE REDFERN claiming it.

12 min: Great chance for Llandudno with Ella Jones through and just keeper Molly France to beat, but the striker shoots wide.

23 min: Nomads’ Polly Wild Mc-Gregor hits a good effort just wide of the post.

25 min – GOAL: 2-0 to Nomads! Sophie Hodson crosses to the back post and NATASHA SPEARING applies the finish.

30 min: So nearly three for the hosts. Alisha Whitehead-Hughes blasts over from close range.

HALF-TIME: Nomads 2 Llandudno 0

55 min – penalty to Llandudno: Ella Jones takes, but France tips her effort onto the crossbar.

68 min: Quay’s Alisha Wright sees her curling effort pushed over the top.

73 min: Ella Jones in a dangerous position for visitors, Evie Chard defends brilliantly.

89 min – GOAL: Ella Jones gives Llandudno late hope with a fine finish.

FULL-TIME: Nomads 2 Llandudno 1

TEAMS

NOMADS

Molly France

Aimee Redfern

Keira Hardstaff

Polly Wild-McGregor

Alisha Wright

Evie Chard

Megan Andrews

Sophie Hodson

Alisha Whitehead-Hughes (Mae Hodgers 46)

Natasha Spearing

Phoebe Ellis

LLANDUDNO

Meg Robinson

Shona Roberts

Mia Roberts

Gwen Roberts

Kelsey Davies

Sioned Phillips

Mollie Roberts (Maddie Williams 46)

Ella Jones

Sofie Owen (c)

Erin Doran

Cat Jones (Caitlin Hadaway 64)