Novira Cymru Premier: Caernarfon Town off to a flyer!

Zack Clarke (furthest left) celebrates his winner in front of delighted Caernarfon fans. Picture: NIK MESNEY FAW

NOVIRA CYMRU PREMIER – PHASE ONE
SUNDAY, AUGUST 2

Connah’s Quay Nomads 1 (Stone 37)
Caernarfon Town 2 (Bradley pen 58, Clarke 71)

This was just what the doctor ordered for Caernarfon Town following their disappointments in Europe this summer.

After the euphoria of winning the Welsh Cup for the first time in their history in April, the Cofis were brought crashing down to earth by two heavy defeats against Estonia’s FCI Levadia in the UEFA Conference League last month.

Richard Davies’ men could hardly have been given a stiffer test to open the 2026-27 Novira Cymru Premier campaign – a trip to last season’s runners-up Connah’s Quay – yet the Cofis passed the examination with flying colours to kick-off with three points.

Town were a goal down at half time courtesy of Mikey Stone’s long range free kick for John Disney’s side, but strikes in the second period from Sion Bradley and Zack Clarke turned the tables.

Delighted Caernarfon Town manager Richard Davies. Picture: NIK MESNEY FAW

Winning manager Davies said on social media after the game: “Enjoyed that one today. Great performance from the lads and great to get the first 3 points on the board.

“To our incredible travelling Cofi Army…..Your support today was something special. You came in your numbers, you were loud from first whistle to last, and you lifted the players every step of the way. Moments like this show exactly what makes this club: passion, pride, togetherness and a fanbase that never stops believing.”

The first half saw Caernarfon’s Danny Gosset strike the bar with a 20-yard half-volley before new signing Stone’s 25-yard free kick in the 37th minute put the hosts in front.

Town missed a great chance to equalise before the break when Noah Edwards crossed low from the left, but the well-placed Bradley fired wide.

Nomads almost went two-up early in the second half when skipper James Jones met a corner, but Connor Roberts got down well to save.
Then on 58 minutes came the equaliser. Adrian Cieslewicz’s cross from the right was handled by Rhys Watson and Bradley hammered home from the spot.

In the 71st minute, Gosset lofted from midfield up to Bradley, who held the ball up on the edge of the box and then sent a perfect pass to Clarke, who worked onto his right foot and lashed in the winner.