Cymru Premier: Caernarfon claim point at Nomads

JD CYMRU PREMIER – DECEMBER 3, 2024

Connah’s Quay Nomads 1 (Hughes pen 28)
Caernarfon Town 1 (Davies 61)

A well-earned point edged Caernarfon up to fifth in the Cymru Premier, while Nomads uncharacteristically remain outside the top six.

In what was chiefly a game of two halves at the Essity Stadium, a Town side which had not played in three-and-a-half weeks owed much to the heroics of keeper Stephen McMullan in the first period.

However, the Canaries went closest to breaking the deadlock early doors when Zack Clarke forced George Ratcliffe into a superb diving save.

The rest of the half belonged to the Quay, McMullan fingertipping behind a fierce volley from Callum Bratley.

Jack Kenny then had an opening for Nomads but saw his attempt trickle wide.

The hosts finally made the breakthrough on 33 minutes via a Rhys Hughes penalty awarded for a challenge on Noah Edwards.

Paulo Mendes was inches away from an equaliser when an acute angle drive looked to be in until a defender hooked the ball off his goal-line.

Half-time: Nomads 1 Caernarfon 0

Caernarfon had the better of the second half, although Nomads remained dangerous, Kenny thwarted by McMullan from point-blank range.

Clarke was denied again by Ratcliffe when the keeper tipped the ball over his bar. From the ensuing corner, Sam Downey saw his low effort blocked by Ratcliffe.

Adam Davies missed the target from 12 yards when put through on goal by Clarke.

A minute later it was Clarke who missed with his header from six yards but an away goal was coming and it arrived on 61 minutes.

Phil Mooney crossed to the far post and Adam Davies headed the ball down before in the same movement forcing it powerfully into the net.

Quay rallied and Hughes’ effort was cleared off the line before Declan Poole’s follow up did not miss by much.

The nearest Caernarfon got to a winner was when Clarke struck the ball inches wide from a corner.

Mooney was shown a second yellow with three minutes remaining but the Cofis were in no mood to let go of their hard earned point.