Nomads continue stellar form with emphatic derby win

Connah’s Quay Nomads earned a sixth consecutive JD Cymru Premier victory with a 2-0 win over Flint Town United in the Flintshire derby at the Essity Stadium on Boxing Day. 

Rhys Hughes converted an early penalty after Abdi Sharif was fouled inside the area to give the Nomads at the break before Harry Franklin continued his epic scoring form with a late goal to put the game to bed. 

A deserved three points and a first clean sheet in December cements our second-place spot in the table, and with top six already confirmed, John Disney will be hoping his side can continue their bright form heading into the remainder of a busy festive period. 

Team News

Disney made two changes from our thrilling 4-2 victory over Briton Ferry Llansawel five days ago as Abdi Sharif and Callum Bratley replaced absentees Kai Edwards and Chris Marriott. The captain’s armband was therefore worn by Ben Nash. 

Declan Poole and Jason Oswell returned to the bench after nearly a month on the sidelines due to injury, while talented Steven Gerrard Academy scholar James Hughes deservedly earned another place in the matchday squad. 

Flint manager Lee Fowler made three changes from his side’s 2-2 draw with Haverfordwest County last time out as Jack Flint, Sidi Fofana and Ben Wynne replaced Dawid Szcepaniak, Ben Hughes and Isaac Lee. 

First Half 

The Nomads immediately began to pose a threat in the final third and were awarded a penalty inside just nine minutes after Abdi Sharif was fouled by Jack Flint inside the area. Rhys Hughes stepped up and made no mistake, sending Flint the wrong way in the process to put us ahead. 

Hughes nearly turned provider moments later as he found Harry Franklin with a clipped ball into the six-yard box, but Franklin’s header flew narrowly wide of the bottom corner.

The Nomads continued to create several chances in the first half hour and it was nearly a first club goal for Marco Fregapane, who raced onto Jacob Cook’s long ball down the right hand side, but saw his effort across goal flash past the post. 

Jack Flint continued to produce some key saves for the Silkmen towards the end of the first half as he made a quickfire double stop to deny first-time efforts from Hughes and Sharif. 

Second Half

A slight injury to Sharif brought an early end to his afternoon ahead of the restart, with Declan Poole, who made his way back from injury, replacing him on the right hand side. 

The Nomads probably should have doubled their advantage in the early stages of the second half after Harry Franklin intercepted the ball in the final third and raced into the area, only for Jack Flint to rush out and collect the ball. 

Noah Edwards then sliced a volley which kindly fell to Dan Cowan at the back post, but once again Jack Flint was there to somehow keep the ball out.

Straight up the other end, Flint had their only clear-cut chance of the game as Josh Jones sprinted down the left and crossed towards Darren Stephenson, who could only guide a tame effort straight into the hands of Kit Margetson. 

However, the Nomads quickly regained control of the contest and eventually found a crucial second goal on 72 minutes as Franklin received Cowan’s long ball upfield, shrugged off Jack Thorn and squeezed his effort into the bottom corner from a tight angle for his 11th goal in eight league games. 

Flint failed to threaten a comeback, seeing the Nomads come home with another emphatic victory, which also means we are now just two points away from equaling last season’s entire points tally.    

What's Next?

The Nomads’ busy winter schedule continues on New Year’s Eve (Wednesday, 31 December) as the lads host JD Cymru Premier leaders The New Saints at the Essity Stadium (2:30pm). 

We’ll be hoping to continue our impressive form, but will be fully aware of the test that lies ahead. Stay tuned to our social media channels throughout the week for build-up to this fixture and keep an eye out for how you claim a free Connah’s Quay Nomads scarf as part of the league’s aim to give back to local communities this festive season. 

Match Report by Adam Angerer