Saturday afternoon saw The Nomads close out the 2022/23 season with their first defeat of Phase Two against TNS at Park Hall.

Having secured their European spot last weekend against Penybont, Nomads knew that today’s encounter with league champions TNS wouldn’t affect either club's position in the Cymru Premier table. Nothing has really separated Nomads and TNS this season as both sides have played each other on four occasions with each team winning once and drawing twice. In the most recent encounter back in March, a goalkeeping masterclass from Andy Firth earned Nomads a hard fought point in a goalless draw, seeing Nomads stop Saints from scoring inside 90 minutes for just the third time this season with Penybont and Newtown the only other teams to achieve this.

Form
The Nomads came into this game with their place in the UEFA Europa Conference League already sealed. An unbeaten Phase Two campaign before today’s game swiftly gave Nomads an extra step closer to securing that all important second place spot. Three consecutive wins over Newtown, Bala and Cardiff Met all but confirmed our place in Europe but Neil Gibson’s side were made to wait as we awaited the FAW decision on Penybont’s six point deduction. Nomads however, sealed the European place the normal way as we clinched the point we needed against Penybont to finally announce the news.

As for The New Saints, having already won the Cymru Premier title in March, Saints have since remained undefeated in Phase Two and have also booked their place in the JD Welsh Cup Final after a semi final win over Penybont. Saints will face Bala Town in the final at Nantporth Stadium on Sunday 30th April as Craig Harrison’s side aim to complete the double.

Team News
Neil Gibson made just the one change from last weekend’s goalless draw with Penybont as Callum Bratley returned to replace Joe Malkin. Jack Kenny was the sole striker for Nomads with Paulo Mendes, Josh Williams and Aron Williams just behind him. Mike Hayes also returned to the matchday squad for the first time since the middle of March.

Craig Harrison made two changes to his starting eleven as Blaine Hudson and Danny Redmond replaced Ash Baker and Danny Williams who both dropped to the bench.

The First Half
Saints nearly hit the front after three minutes as some good link up play between Leo Smith and Declan McManus almost saw McManus find space for a shot on goal but a terrific last ditch tackle from Ben Nash brought the attack to an end.

Andy Firth was called into action for the first time of the afternoon in the 5th minute after Jon Routledge’s strike from distance was tipped away by Firth to keep his clean sheet alive.

On the 20 minute mark, Aron Williams sprinted down the right and led a dangerous counter attack for Nomads, Williams then spotted the darting run of Jack Kenny in the box but Kenny’s take effort was a comfortable one for Saints goalkeeper Connor Roberts.

Ben Nash made yet another goal saving tackle to deny the home side of the opening goal as Josh Daniels’ cross into Danny Davies saw Nash dive in and divert the ball away from goal.

Saints took the lead just a few minutes later as Danny Davies’ wicked ball from the right fell to Josh Daniels who headed beyond Firth and into the bottom corner.

Saints continued to be on top, having the better of possession and swarming the Nomads box as Andy Firth made yet another save straight out of the top drawer. A lobbed ball into the path of McManus gave the striker time to pick his spot, McManus looked to fire into the roof of the net but amazing reactions from Firth denied the league’s top scorer.

The Second Half
Saints had the chance to double their lead at the start of the second half as Captain Chris Marriott stood over a free kick on the edge of the box. Marriott stepped up but his effort was way over the top and it remained 1-0.

Nomads were looking to get in behind the Saints defence and so nearly created a glorious opportunity in front of goal as Ryan Harrington’s cross was pulled back for Callum Bratley to pull the trigger but just as the midfielder was about to shoot, a Saints defender came rushing in and stole the ball off Bratley, frustrating The Nomads once more.

After having a quiet game so far, Saints playmaker Ryan Brobbel had a great chance to double his side’s lead as Danny Redmond’s teasing ball towards the back post somehow wasn’t turned home by Brobbel who was unmarked from just a few yards out.

TNS doubled their lead around five minutes after that huge chance as Jon Routledge’s long ball saw Declan McManus break free of Ben Nash which saw McManus slot home into the bottom corner.

Substitute Ben Clark nearly made it three as McManus’ long ball up to Clark saw the midfielder attempt a scorpion kick which looked to be bouncing into the net but an excellent goal line clearance from George Horan denied the 22 year-old.

Saints made it 3-0 with 20 minutes to go as Irishman Josh Daniels grabbed his brace. McManus gave the ball to Daniels who cut inside onto his left foot before sending a low drive at the near post into the back of the net.

The Nomads then made three changes in the space of eight minutes as Luca Hogan, Aeron Edwards and Joe Malkin all came on for Jack Kenny, Callum Morris and Paulo Mendes.

Saints made sure of the three points as they got their fourth of the afternoon in the 90th minute as Josh Williams was intercepted by Danny Redmond inside the final third which allowed Redmond to tee up McManus for his brace.

The Nomads did eventually get themselves on the scoresheet in stoppage time and did so in extraordinary fashion. Ryan Harrington skipped past two Saints defenders before firing a thunderous effort past Connor Roberts and into the top corner to give Nomads a brilliant consolation goal.

What’s Next?
The Nomads will now look to regroup and look ahead to a hugely significant UEFA Europa Conference League campaign starting in July. The draw for the first and second qualifying rounds is on 20th June so we will know our opponents in the first round and the second if we were to progress from our first.

It's safe to say it has been a brilliant first season for Neil Gibson in charge of The Nomads. A Nathaniel MG Cup Final, a JD Welsh Cup Semi Final and now a place in the Europa Conference League.

We would like to thank all of our supporters who have come along to cheer on the lads throughout this season whether that be home or away, your support does not go unnoticed.

Match report by Adam Angerer