Monday evening saw the start of The Nomads' competitive season with a First Round ti in theWord Cup versus Rhyl FC. This was a common outing for The Nomads and The Lilywhites, having faced each other last season in the second round of the competition. Determination was seen from both sides as strong starting elevens were named, with former Chester players Jamie Rainford and George Horan amongst The Nomads' line up. For the visitors the strong duo of Aaron Bowen and Liam Dawson were started, who both scored goals to confirm a 2-0 win for Rhyl at the final whistle.

The game started off quietly as both sides looked to settle into their first competitive fixture of 2014/15, but this would soon change as the 266 strong crowd at Deeside were treated to a half full of chances. Early on, Levi Mackin showed his passing dictation in the midfield, whilst on the right winger, Sean Miller impressed for The Nomads with his darting runs.

The first chance of the game went The Nomads' way through a Gary Roberts rocket shot, which from around 20 yards out hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced out, being mistaken for a goal by many of the spectators.  Fired up, it was Liam Dawson who replied for Rhyl with his half volley going high above McCormick’s goal.  Dillon set up a number of chances for The Nomads, who failed to capitalise in the first half despite Gary O’Toole narrowly missing along the left side and Jack Rowland’s having his header saved by Alex Ramsey.

The Nomads came out in the second half without Gary O’Toole who had picked up an injury to his foot in the first half, and was replaced by Luke Holden.  The Nomads attacking intent from the first half was again clarified when Rainford ran onto a ball in Rhyl’s end of the pitch but was flagged offside.  This was a game where the woodwork was a big feature, as minutes later a Rhyl free kick bounced off the crossbar having at first looked a non-threatening effort.  

Sean Miller continued to be a useful asset for The Nomads down the wing as he set up John Dillon who couldn’t quite get his shot on target, from just inside the area.  It was then The Nomads' turn to be yet again denied by the crossbar, this time through a Colbeck effort from only six yards out.  This chance may have been the one that The Nomads needed to take, as Rhyl gained the advantage soon after.  From a position around 20 yards out, Aaron Bowen hit a powerful strike across the floor to beat McCormick and neatly score into the bottom left corner of the net.

The Nomads sought to get back into the game, hopeful the introduction of Marcus Giglio for Chris Rowntree would help the side against a strong and physical Rhyl outfit. Giglio had a chance when his header was forced out by Rhyl 'keeper Alex Ramsey to give Te Nomads a corner, which couldn’t be capitalised on by the home side.

The Nomads were left to rue their earlier chances when the game was further swayed The Lilywhites' way when Liam Dawson scored an excellent goal striking the ball into the top right corner of the net from outside of the penalty area.  Scoring with only 10 minutes of play left control of this theWord Cup tie firmly in the visitor’s hands.  They could have had a third goal to their name when a Rhyl corner was headed towards goal, but McCormick was there to tip the shot over.

After The Nomads' last launched attack was halted by the offside flag, referee Mark Petch blew the full time whistle confirming The Nomads' elimination from theWord Cup 2014/15.

This was a game that for a large majority showed promising play from The Nomads, which was in the end overpowered by a strong Rhyl side who will now go through to the second round of the tournament.  Mark McGregor and his side will now turn their attentions to the Welsh Premier League, which kicks off for Nomads at Bastion Gardens against Prestatyn on Friday the 22nd of August for a 7:30pm kick off.

This weekend sees the traditional bank holiday double header, which means the following bank holiday Monday, the 25th, will see Carmarthen Town play at Deeside, where admission and match day programmes will be free to all spectators.