Big match preview: Llandudno v Connah’s Quay Nomads – somebody’s 0 has to go!

As they say in boxing ‘somebody’s 0 has got to go’ when the Genero Adran North top two Connah’s Quay Nomads and Llandudno clash at Maesdu Park on Sunday.

Nomads head the tier 2 table on 12 points courtesy of four straight wins, with reigning champions Tudno on 9 from three successive victories.

Sunday brings the fourth meeting of the season already between these two, although none have been in the league.

They previously tussled in the Genero Adran Trophy and NEWFA Challenge Cup respectively, Nomads winning 2-1 at home and 5-0 away, while Llandudno triumphed on penalties in the Bute Energy Welsh Cup after a 3-3 draw.

Jordan Parry’s Quay side have lost just once since that Welsh Cup reverse in October, going down only 2-1 to mighty Adran Premier champions Cardiff City in the Genero Adran Trophy last 16.

Tudno have been knocked out of three cups in a row since their win over Nomads, 5-0 to the Deesiders in the NEWFA CHallenge Cup, 4-2 against Aberystwyth in the Adran Trophy and 6-0 versus The New Saints in the Welsh Cup.

While Sunday’s clash looks an even contest on viewing the league table, it has to be taken into account how many players have departed Llandudno in recent weeks.

Since the start of the season, prolific scorer Ella Jones has joined Nomads, title-winning keeper Meg Robinson is now with Trearddur Bay and key defender Shona Roberts has just signed for Flint Town United.

Added to this, the Seasiders brought in Sade Benjamin, Rachael Thomas and Cassie Thomas from Rhyl 1879, only for all three to return to the Lilywhites very soon after.

Llandudno have been left without strength in depth and minus a recognised goalkeeper. There is still plenty of talent in the squad, but the player losses have been immense.

Nomads, by contrast, have benefited from bringing in several quality signings in the summer on top of some cracking additions since the season started.

The momentum appears to be with the Deesiders ahead of Sunday, but Llandudno will be determined to prove they are still a force.

LLANDUDNO v CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS – HEAD TO HEAD

2021-22
Genero Adran North – Nomads 2 Llandudno 5, Llandudno 3 Nomads 1
Adran Trophy – Nomads 4 Llandudno 1
NEWFA Challenge Cup Final – Nomads 3 Llandudno 1

2022-23
Genero Adran North – Nomads 1 Llandudno 1, Llandudno 0 Nomads 4
Genero Adran Trophy – Nomads 1 Llandudno 0

2023-24
Genero Adran North – Llandudno 0 Nomads 2, Nomads 0 Llandudno 2

2024-25
Genero Adran Trophy – Nomads 2 Llandudno 1
Welsh Cup – Llandudno 3 Nomads 3 (Llandudno won on pens)
NEWFA Challenge Cup – Llandudno 0 Nomads 5

HEAD-TO-HEAD

PLAYED (all matches) 12
WINS: Nomads 7 Llandudno 4
DRAWS: 1

PLAYED (league only): 6
WINS: Llandudno 3 Nomads 2
DRAWS: 1