Valiant effort from academy in league cup defeat

The Nomads were knocked out of the Nathaniel MG Cup following a 2-1 quarter-final loss to Aberystwyth Town at the Essity Stadium on Tuesday night.

The competition gave manager Billy Paynter the chance to showcase the club’s incredible academy talent, just like we did when we defeated Caernarfon Town 3-2 in the previous round.

Seven academy graduates started the tie, and things got off to the perfect start when Luca Hogan tapped home the rebound from Jayden Tang’s initially saved shot.

However, a fierce strike from Alex Darlington and a low drive from Harry Arnison saw Aberystwyth complete the turnaround and book their place in the final four.

Team News
Amongst the seven academy stars who were named in the starting line up was Harvey Scott, who made his senior debut. James Hughes and Conor Partridge were also named in the senior matchday squad for the first time in their careers.

Luca Hogan played his 50th competitive match in Welsh domestic football, while goalkeeper Jon Rushton celebrated making his 90th Nomads appearance.

Interim Aberystwyth boss Dave Taylor made seven changes to his side that were beaten 1-0 by second tier Ammanford in the JD Welsh Cup last weekend.

First Half
Aberystwyth had a major chance to take the lead with just four minutes on the clock. Zac Hartley played a perfectly-weighted through ball into the path of Jonathan Evans, but the Aber forward fired wide when one-on-one with Rushton.

The visitors were punished four minutes later as The Nomads broke the deadlock through Luca Hogan, who bundled home the rebound from Jayden Tang’s initially saved low drive from outside the area.

Hogan nearly had an assist to his name in the 15th minute as he laid the ball off to Jordan Pownall on the edge of the area, but the midfielder’s curling effort flashed wide of the bottom corner.

Rushton was forced into his first save of the match midway through the first half as he produced a stunning stop to deny Devon Torry’s volley from inside the area.

However, the Seasiders eventually got back on level terms shortly before the break as experienced forward Alex Darlington sent a low drive into the bottom corner and beyond Rushton.

Second Half
The first opportunity of the second half came just before the hour mark as a trademark Aron Williams cross from the right hand side looked destined to be prodded home by Jayden Tang, but the youngster was unable to keep his header down on target.

Aber then edged in front in the 66th minute with their first real chance of the second period as a well-worked team move saw Harry Arnison pick out the bottom corner with a powerful strike across goal, similar to Darlington’s equaliser.

Dan Flanders, who has recently returned from a minor injury, nearly made it two apiece when his header from Williams’ corner flashed a whisker wide of the top corner.

There were moments to saviour for James Hughes and Conor Partridge, who replaced Jack Kenny and Dan Flanders to come on for their senior debuts.

The duo were involved in several counter-attacks as The Nomads pushed for an all-important equaliser. However, the away side did their job in defence and held on to reach the semi-finals.

What’s Next?
The Nomads return to JD Cymru Premier action on Sunday, 27 October as Briton Ferry Llansawel visit the Essity Stadium.

Billy Paynter’s side will be hoping for a repeat of their performance in the reverse fixture against the Reds, which saw goals from Fumpa Mwandwe, John Disney, Rhys Hughes, Aron Williams and Tyler Berry secure a 5-1 victory on the road.

We will kick off against Ferry at 2:30pm.

Match Photos

Match Report by Adam Angerer