10-man Connah’s Quay Nomads came from behind to beat Newtown 2-1 at the Deeside Stadium, as they moved level on points with leaders The New Saints.
Despite Jamie Insall’s early dismissal, goals from the experienced pair of George Horan and Michael Wilde ensured a winning return to action for Andy Morrison’s side, who remain unbeaten at home this season.
Newtown’s goal came from Alex Fletcher, who opened the scoring in the 16th minute, but the Robins were unable to make more of the numerical advantage.
They remain ninth, despite the defeat, but were unable to increase the gap over basement sides Cefn Druids and Flint Town United.
The visitors had a dream start to the game when Fletcher took the ball past two Nomads defenders and struck home from the edge of the box, leaving goalkeeper Oliver Byrne with no chance.
Things went from bad to worse for the Nomads just six minutes later, when Insall’s challenge on George Hughes resulting in the forward being given his marching orders.
This double setback galvanised the hosts, however, and they were able to find an equaliser just five minutes after the dismissal.
Sameron Singh-Dool sent a free-kick into the Newtown box which wasn’t dealt with by keeper Dave Jones, giving Wilde the chance to put the ball into a great position for Horan to head home.
Newtown had a chance early in the second-half when Jamie Breese stole the ball from John Disney and sent a cross into the Nomads box. His ball found Fletcher, but the goalscorer couldn’t rearrange his feet in time and lost possession.
The second-half also saw the introduction of the Nomads’ new signing, Neil Danns, as he came on to replace Dool at the break.
A handball shout came in after Wilde’s cross into the middle struck Shane Sutton, but referee Cheryl Foster waved away the claims.
The Nomads completed the turnaround just before the hour mark, when Wilde headed Danny Holmes’ cross from the right side into the net.
It was very much a defensive job for the rest of the game for the Nomads, as they set up to deny Newtown any chance of an attack.
Chris Hughes’ side only managed one clear-cut chance in the remainder of the game. Jordan Evans struck a first-time volley just wide of the post with quarter of an hour left on the clock.
Danns produced an impressive cameo on debut for the reigning champions, with the former Crystal Palace and Bolton Wanderers midfielder a constant threat going forward.
The Nomads held on for a hard-fought victory, and now turn their attentions to Tuesday when they face Deeside rivals Flint Town United at the Essity Stadium. For Newtown, meanwhile, they will look to get back on track against relegation rivals Cefn Druids at The Rock.
Connah’s Quay Nomads: Oliver Byrne (GK), George Horan (C), Danny Harrison, Callum Morris, Michael Wilde, Jamie Insall, Declan Poole, Danny Holmes, John Disney, Sameron Singh-Dool (Neil Danns 45′), Danny Davies
Yellow cards: John Disney 19′
Red cards: Jamie Insall 24′
Goals: George Horan 28′, Michael Wilde 58′
Newtown: Dave Jones (GK), Jack Kelly, Kieran Mills-Evans, James O’Neill (Sean McAllister 65′), Nick Rushton (Jordan Evans 65′), Jamie Breese (Tyrone Ofori 65′), James Davies (Lifumpa Mwandwe 65′), Craig Williams (C), George Hughes (Jonathan Letford 76′), Shane Sutton, Alex Fletcher
Yellow cards: Nick Rushton 61′
Goals: Alex Fletcher 18′
Find out how the action unfolded by reading our live blog:
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