What we learned as Nomads stage comeback to edge past battling Archers in the capital

Connah’s Quay Nomads came from behind to edge past a battling Cardiff Metropolitan side at Cyncoed Campus this afternoon.

Dylan Rees’ deflected effort gave the Archers a half-time lead, before Priestley Farquharson’s header and Craig Curran’s well-crafted volley inside the area saw the Nomads take all three points.

Here are a few things we took away from the game.

Nomads pressing pays off eventually

A key part of the Nomads’ game in the early stages of this season has been their pressing high up the pitch, facilitated by their impressive fitness levels.

It was on show again this afternoon, and worked to good effect, forcing the Archers to misplace passes and clear the ball to safety.

Morrison’s side did miss some of their usual quality in the final third, but were able to show their class when it mattered to net twice in the final 15 minutes.

The loss of Michael Wilde, who went off with a head injury which required stitches in the first-half, was certainly a blow to the Nomads. However the switch to have Farquharson – a defender by trade – lead the line for the closing stages ultimately paid off for the visitors.

Gales force the teams to adapt

The weather certainly had a part to play at Cyncoed Campus, with the blustery conditions throughout making it difficult for either team to build consistent phases of pressure.

It was perhaps Met who adapted best, and in fact their goal came in the first-half when they were playing into the wind.

The Archers were certainly aware, in the second-half, that their clearances would have an extra few yards on them, giving them an easy opportunity to pin the Nomads back.

However the Nomads’ superiority began to tell in the final 15 minutes, and they were able to create enough opportunities in the final third to take victory.

Met up for the fight

When you come up against the Nomads, you know for certain that you’re going to be involved in a physical battle, and how well you compete in this area could well determine the outcome of the match.

The Students certainly gave as good as they got, and more than held their own in the face of a strong Connah’s Quay outfit.

Throughout the game their positioning was excellent, allowing them to clear their lines and deny the Nomads chances to impose themselves to the extent that they’re usually able to.

Manager Christian Edwards will be disappointed with the time that Farquharson had to guide his header home, but this lapse aside – Curran’s goal was a touch of quality – they defended very well as a unit.

(Featured image: Carl Robertson)