Maher's sweet strike secures crucial win

Ben Maher’s stunning second-half strike gave The Nomads a crucial 1-0 victory over Cardiff Met on Saturday afternoon.

A key turning point in the match came early in the second half as Met’s Jack Clay received a second yellow card, reducing the Archers to 10 men.

After disallowed goals for both sides, the breakthrough eventually arrived in the 53rd minute as a corner kindly fell back out to Maher, which allowed the midfielder to pick out the top corner from the edge of the area.

Although they were a man down, Met nearly rescued a point through substitute Brandon Roberts, however his half-volley at the back post was tremendously saved by George Ratcliffe.

The result saw The Nomads climb up to eighth in the table and just two points behind a place in the top six.

Team News
It was a landmark afternoon for Jack Kenny as he made his 150th appearance in the Welsh top-flight. Declan Poole returned from a one-match suspension, while Ben Maher also returned to the starting lineup. Talented academy star Joe Connolly was named in the senior matchday squad for the first time in his career.

Cardiff Met manager Ryan Jenkins made just one change from his side’s 2-1 victory over Newtown last time out as CJ Craven replaced the suspended Jack Veale.

First Half
Neither goalkeeper was really tested within the opening stages of the match. The closest opportunity came from Ben Maher, who had his fierce volley from distance trickle narrowly wide of the post.

Met thought they had taken the lead when Adam Roscrow tapped home from close range, but an offside in the build-up meant the goal was disallowed.

Eliot Evans looked destined to fire beyond George Ratcliffe when a deflected low cross fell kindly into his path, but just before he could get his shot away, Ben Nash stayed composed and made a vital challenge to keep the scoreline goalless.

Met goalkeeper Alex Lang was then forced into his first save of the match as he was able to tip over Fumpa’s lethal shot from just outside the area.

The Nomads continued to pile on the pressure and came even closer to the opening goal in first half stoppage time when Kai Edwards’ header from Rhys Hughes’ corner struck the post. Billy Paynter’s side were adamant the ball had crossed the line, but the referee waved away the appeals.

Second Half
Met were reduced to 10 men just four minutes into the second as Jac Clay received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Fumpa.

The Nomads nearly capitalised on Clay’s dismissal straight away as Fumpa slammed the ball beyond Lang from close range moments later. However, the goal was scored when Clay was still on the pitch, and despite the referee’s decision to restart the play, the goal was still disallowed.

Although The Nomads were frustrated by the decision, it was not long until smiles were put back on the faces of the home side as Ben Maher produced a moment of magic to break the deadlock.

Hughes’ corner was punched out by Lang, but only as far as Maher, whose sweetly struck first-time volley flew into the top corner. The goal marked Maher’s first in the JD Cymru Premier since October 2021.

Noah Edwards came close to getting his name on the scoresheet for the second weekend in a row, but his left-footed strike from John Disney’s pass flashed narrowly wide of the target.

The visitors had a glorious chance to grab a late equaliser through substitute Brandon Roberts, but his powerful shot at the back post was saved by Ratcliffe, who opened himself up to keep his clean sheet intact.

Thankfully, The Nomads were able to see out four minutes of stoppage time to claim an important victory in the battle for a top six place. Paynter’s team are now just two points adrift of a place in the top half.

What’s Next?
The Nomads can climb up the JD Cymru Premier table once again with victory over Barry Town United at Jenner Park next Saturday.

The Nomads will be seeking revenge after a 2-1 home loss to Barry earlier in the campaign. We will kick off at 2:30pm on Saturday.

Match Photos

Match Report by Adam Angerer