Nomads end year with narrow defeat at TNS

The Nomads closed out 2024 with a narrow 2-1 defeat to The New Saints in the JD Cymru Premier on Tuesday afternoon at Park Hall.

Ryan Brobbel’s curling finish put Saints ahead, but we were quickly back on level terms thanks to Noah Edwards, who fired home from a corner to make it two goals in as many games for the first time in his career since January 2022.

However, Saints retook the lead shortly before the break as Jordan Williams’ strike squirmed under George Ratcliffe. Our task of a comeback was made even more difficult when Jack Kenny received a straight red card for an altercation with Williams in first half stoppage-time.

Despite our valiant effort in the second half, Saints held on to claim all three points.

The result leaves us three points behind a place in the top six, but we do still have a game in hand over sixth-placed Barry Town United.

Team News
Billy Paynter made just one change from our emphatic 7-2 win over Flint Town United on Boxing Day as Ben Nash returned from suspension, replacing Dan Roberts, who was named on the bench along with new signing Michael Kedman.

TNS manager Craig Harrison made three changes from his side’s 5-2 victory away to Caernarfon Town as Ryan Brobbel, Josh Pask and Adam Wilson replaced Jack Bodenham, Declan McManus and Leo Smith.

First Half
TNS came close to taking the lead through Rory Holden after just 10 minutes played as the Irishman’s low drive forced a crucial diving save from George Ratcliffe.

Former Nomad Danny Davies had a chance from the resulting corner, but his header flashed wide of the target.

Craig Harrison’s side then did find the breakthrough on 27 minutes as Ryan Brobbel cut inside onto his favoured right foot and found the bottom corner with a curling strike, which Ratcliffe did not get a clear view of.

The Nomads quickly made it one apiece as Rhys Hughes’ corner was cleared, but only as far as Noah Edwards, who slammed the ball home through a number of bodies for his third goal of the season.

However, Edwards’ equaliser was cancelled out just six minutes later as Saints restored their lead through Jordan Williams.

Williams drove forward into the final third and struck a tame effort towards goal, but Ratcliffe reacted late, meaning the goalkeeper was unable to prevent the ball from reaching the back of the net.

Our corner routine almost led to another goal as this time Ben Nash was left unmarked at the back post from Hughes’ delivery, and although the defender did extremely well to get his header on target, the attempt was parried to safety by Connor Roberts.

Our task of getting back on level terms again was made even more difficult in first half stoppage-time as Jack Kenny received a straight red card for an off-the-ball altercation with Williams.

Kenny was quickly dismissed by the referee, while Williams received just a booking.

Second Half
An equalising goal nearly arrived four minutes after the restart as Hughes’ cross-turned-shot from a tight angle forced Roberts into a fingertip save.

The resulting corner was nearly prodded home from close range, but the home side survived once more.

Saints probably should have doubled their lead with 56 minutes on the clock after a swift counter-attacking move, but Adam Wilson could only fire wide when receiving a square ball from Williams.

Billy Paynter turned to his bench for the first time in the match as Ben Maher and Dan Roberts were introduced in place of Chris Marriott and Kai Edwards.

Davies was next to go close for TNS as his powerful left-footed volley at the back post saw Ratcliffe produce a brilliant reflex save.

Michael Kedman was then handed his Nomads debut as he came off the bench to replace Callum Bratley with 15 minutes to play.

Kedman provided fresh legs and pace as Paynter’s side looked to find a way back into the match, but time ran out, meaning our final game of 2024 ended in a narrow defeat.

What’s Next?
The Nomads begin 2025 with another tough test on the road, this time at the SDM Glass Stadium against Penybont on Saturday, 4 January (2:30pm KO)

We are unbeaten in all previous seven visits to Bont, and will hope to extend that record on Saturday as we aim to keep up the chase for a top six spot.

Match Photos

Match Report by Adam Angerer