For the first time in many years Nomads were victorious at Rhyl FC, when goals from Steve Evans and Alan Bull saw them win 2-1 at the Corbett Sports Stadium. 
Nomads went into the game well aware of its importance, needing to bounce back from a 2-0 loss to Cefn Druids in order to boost their survival campaign and chance of a push for the play-offs. Rhyl were aiming for the latter, eager for 3 points to be in with a chance of playing in Europe.

The game saw a start for loan signing Cortez Belle who joined Nomads from Camarthen earlier in the week. Behind him in the midfield were Crowther and Harrison. Academy product Jack Riley also kept his place in the side. Rhyl started their reputably strong line up consisting of the likes of Dawson, McManus and Ashley Ruane.

The game began evenly, with Nomads displaying their passing credentials by holding the ball well in the midfield. Rob Jones took a throw in near the Rhyl area, in which Steve Evans saw his shot go wide.

Cortez Belle made an immediate impact for Nomads by making runs from the centre circle, forcing Rhyl to concede possession throughout the game. The first major chance of the game went to the home side, when Makin sent a free kick into the box which Astles shot well from around 8 yards out, McCormick saving superbly.

Alan Bull and Cortez Belle then made an attacking movement towards the Rhyl area, but could not find a shot on goal, with Rhyl keeper Ramsay gaining possession and clearing the danger. Continuing Nomads attacking style in the first half, Miller made a run up the left wing and cut into the area, sending a square ball across goal which no teammate of his could connect with.

Rhyl man Ashley Ruane was a constant threat to Nomads, firstly having an effort on goal saved well by McCormick. Liam Dawson also looked to break the ice for the home side, hitting the side netting from 7 yards out.

A Nomads goal was nearly made in odd circumstances when a defensive header from Rhyl trailed towards their goal and hit the post, going out for a corner. It was this corner however that led to the goal, with Alex Ramsay punching Jones’s cross skywards, Steve Evans directing the ball into the net on its descent to the ground. 

Elevated after their opener, Nomads went out to find a second goal. Belle used his height and strength to head towards goal, but the Lilywhites defence cleared the ball. Yet they could not catch Alan Bull on his run down the left flank, beating his man and sending the ball past Alex Ramsay’s right side to score.

This was the climax to a great first half performance from Nomads who had remained resilient in the face of Rhyl’s attacking quality, and worked hard to be 2-0 up at the break. Despite the score line Nomads were by no means totally dominant, and were to be challenged by the hosts in the second half.

Sean Miller showed his will to win from the off in the second half, running towards the Rhyl area to have his effort blocked. Rhyl answered back via Ruane, who was only stopped by a great tackle from Steve Evans.

Dawson again tried to get his name on the score sheet but was inhibited by the linesman’s flag for offside. Belle then made a run towards goal but met the same fate as Dawson. With an hour played, Nomads were holding themselves well, managing the threat of the Lilywhites with a composed performance.

This performance soon began to feel pressure when Rhyl clicked into a higher gear of attack. Riley successfully halted a Rhyl run with a corner given to the home side, which led to a volley from McManus going wide of the Nomads goal.

The Lilywhites were then finally awarded for their efforts when McManus had his shot deflected off McCormick and Ashley Ruane stepping up to slot the ball in. With 20 minutes still to play, Nomads looked up against it with a Rhyl side beginning to sense their chance of bringing the score level.

Nomads stood up to this threat, with Riley rising up to fend off a Rhyl pass heading towards the Nomads area. The introduction of Marcus Giglio also boosted Nomads with some extra energy to see the game out.

Cortez Belle then came close to a stylish debut goal when his effort curled wide and out for a goal kick. Rhyl substitute Tom Rowland’s went on a run but was caught offside. After Rob Jones was replaced by Kieran Gaul, Nomads had a free kick on the left wing around 30 yards from goal, which led to Belle heading towards Ramsay, who caught the effort.

With three minutes of injury time to play and a tense atmosphere engulfing the ground, Nomads stood strong with Evans and Gaul making vital blocks, before McCormick caught a Rhyl free kick with seconds to go on the clock. After this, Referee Kris Hames blew his whistle and confirmed a 2-1 win for Nomads.

This was a great result for Nomads which further strengthens their position above the bottom two and reducing the gap between themselves and the lucrative 7th place. After this game, Nomads have plenty of preparation time for their next game against Bangor City, which takes place at Nantporth on Sunday 12th April, live on S4C.