Nomads exit MG Cup after third round defeat to TNS

Connah’s Quay Nomads were knocked out of the Nathaniel MG Cup after a 3-1 defeat to holders The New Saints at the Essity Stadium on Wednesday night.

The Nomads made a bright start, but two quick goals from Isaac Jefferies and Ben Clark’s deflected effort early in the second half put Saints in a commanding position.

Harry Franklin capitalised on a tame back pass from Harrison McGahey and slotted past Nathan Shepperd in stoppage time, but it was too late for Nomads to stage a comeback.

Team News
John Disney made eight changes from the league defeat to Bala Town last week. There was a first senior start for 17-year-old goalkeeper Ryley Berry with Kit Margetson away on international duty with Cymru U21s.

Latest signing Andrew Buah made his first start for the Club, while Declan Poole and Callum Bratley returned from short absences.

TNS manager Craig Harrison also rotated his squad by making seven changes from their 5-0 win at home against Haverfordwest County last time out.

First Half
The Nomads made a bright start in the opening stages at the Essity Stadium as Jason Oswell and Callum West forced Nathan Shepperd into a couple of saves.

Buah made his presence known with his energy going forward, and the 19-year-old nearly marked his Nomads debut with a goal, but he was unable to get a clean connection on his strike when meeting Poole’s low ball.

Saints were denied by the woodwork in their first real opportunity of the evening as Dan Williams’ ricocheted off Marco Fregapane, but thankfully the post came to the defender’s rescue.

However, the visitors did take the lead on 37 minutes as Isaac Jefferies latched onto the loose ball from Fregapane’s brilliant goal-line clearance and tapped into the net from close range.

Jefferies doubled his and Saints’ tally just a minute later as he raced through on goal and slotted past Berry at the near post.

Second Half
Buah’s debut unfortunately came to an abrupt end just five minutes into the second half after a collision with Jacob Owen meant he was unable to continue with play. The teenager was replaced by Rhys Hughes.

Dan Cowan went close to his first Nomads goal on 53 minutes as he skipped away from his marker at the back post and forced Shepperd into a diving save with his powerful strike from a tight angle.

However, Saints added a third goal two minutes later as substitute Ben Clark’s low drive took a wicked deflection, which ultimately outwitted Berry.

The Nomads then made a triple change with a moment to savour for Jack Waterhouse, who made his first ever competitive senior appearance by replacing Callum West. Zeli Ismail and Harry Franklin were also introduced in place of Jack Kenny and Dan Roberts.

Moments after Berry made a superb stop to deny Jefferies from outside the area, the Nomads were awarded a penalty after Poole’s shot struck the hand of a Saints defender.

Hughes stepped up from the spot, but fired over the bar with Nomads still trailing by three goals with 15 minutes to play.

The Nomads did eventually pull a goal back, but it only proved to be a consolation as Franklin intercepted a weak back pass from McGahey and slotted past Shepperd.

Disney’s side were unable to stage a dramatic comeback in the final few minutes, seeing our Nathaniel MG Cup run come to an end.

What’s Next?
The Nomads put their focus back on the JD Cymru Premier, with Cardiff Met visiting the Essity Stadium on Saturday, 13 September (12:30pm KO).

Met earned a narrow 2-1 win in last season’s first league meeting, but the Nomads got their revenge with a 1-0 victory in November thanks to Ben Maher’s stunning strike.

Tickets can be purchased online now, but stay tuned to our social media channels for regular updates and build-up towards another important league clash!

Match Photos

Match Report by Adam Angerer