Key Nomads player will miss promotion play-off – but Adran North champions will give their all to make it second time successful

GENERO ADRAN LEAGUES PROMOTION PLAY-OFF
Connah’s Quay Nomads v Cardiff Met
Sunday, April 26. 2.30 pm kick-off at Park Avenue, Aberystwyth

If Connah’s Quay Nomads are to make it second time lucky in this weekend’s promotion play-off, they will need to succeed without their top-scorer.

Nomads striker Ella Jones, whose 20 league goals did so much to secure the team back-to-back Adran North titles, will miss Sunday’s showdown with Cardiff Met due to a serious knee injury.

She has damaged the same knee which gave way in the 2021-22 campaign while she was with champions Llandudno, leading to a two-year lay-off from regular action. It is hoped the recovery time will be much quicker on this occasion, with the player due to be assessed in about six weeks to confirm if an operation is needed.

Despite that 2021-22 setback, since her return the 21-year-old has continued to develop into one of the very best strikers in North Wales. Since joining Nomads in November 2024, she has pocketed 33 goals in 28 matches and scooped successive Adran North titles.

Including her time at Llandudno, she has won the Adran North championship on four occasions and this season became only the second player ever to reach 50 goals in the Tier 2 league. Tudno’s Maddie Williams has since become the third.

In her senior career to date, Ella has notched a phenomenal 82 goals in 61 appearances – an amazing record which would be even greater had she not missed the equivalent of two seasons through injury.

Her absence on Sunday will put more onus on Jordan Parry’s available players to produce the goals, but there is still plenty of net-funding talent on call, including the likes of Megan Galeandro, skipper Polly Wild McGregor and Phoebe Ellis not to mention recent signing Lexi Walsh, who amassed 32 goals for former club Kinmel Bay this term.

Nomads have had another great season, winning the title undefeated for a second time.

Last season they won all 14 matches, this time it was 10 wins and two draws.

In 2024-25, the Deesiders met Pontypridd United in the Adran Premier play-off final and led 2-0 at half time, but ended up 3-2 losers. It was a tough knock to take, but they have regrouped and put themselves in the promotion picture again.

Opponents Cardiff Met are likely to prove very difficult opposition.

Joint record six-time Adran Premier champions, Met were relegated at the end of last season but have rallied to win the Adran South title by an eight-point margin in 2025-26.

Speaking ahead of Sunday, Nomads midfielder Mel Barlow, said: “Lifting the title again and going two seasons unbeaten is an immense achievement in itself. All the girls and staff have worked extra hard this season as it was our title we had to fight to retain. The dedication and determination of the team is what has made this extra special.

“Promotion would mean absolutely everything to me and this team. When I first joined the club three years ago, it was a goal that we all wanted to achieve. Promotion is something we all deserve and we are all ready for a new challenge in the Genero Adran Premier.”

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Erin Brennan
Assistant Referee 1: Katie Hannah
Assistant Referee 2: Lilah Thomas
Fourth Official: Gemma Border

THE VENUE

Sunday’s play-off will take place at Park Avenue in Aberystwyth for the first time after the three previous Play-Offs were held at Latham Park in Newtown.
Home to Genero Adran Premier club Aberystwyth Town, Park Avenue is one of the most famous and recognisable stadiums in the Welsh domestic game.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets at Park Avenue will only be available to buy on the gate, costing £3 for adults and £1 for under 18s.

TV COVERAGE

For the third consecutive season, the Genero Adran Leagues Promotion Play-Off will be broadcast live on the FAW’s free streaming service, RedWall+.