Connah’s Quay Nomads marked their return to the Cymru Premier with a 2-1 win over Newtown at the Deeside Stadium.
The visitors initially took the lead through Alex Fletcher, but goals from George Horan and Michael Wilde secured the win for the Nomads.
At 1-0 down, the Nomads lost Jamie Insall. He was sent off for a poor challenge on Newtown youngster, George Hughes.
Here are the five main talking points from Andy Morrison’s men’s win:
Nomads aerial threat proves vital once again
The Nomads showed their strong aerial presence throughout the entirety of the match against Newtown, both in defence and in attack.
Captain, George Horan, equalised for the Nomads in the 28th minute, as he headed home from a set-piece which saw Horan and Michael Wilde combine for the goal.
Newtown were hesitant to send the ball into the air when they attacked, and whenever they did, the Nomads were quick to clear any danger.
Michael Wilde gave the Nomads the lead in the 58th minute, when Danny Holmes crossed into the middle from the right hand side, the forward made no mistake in heading past Dave Jones.
Alex Fletcher key for Newtown
Fletcher returned to Latham Park in the January transfer window, and looks to be a top signing for Chris Hughes’ side.
He’s started in both games since the return of the Cymru Premier. He assisted James Davies in their 2-0 win over Penybont in midweek, and scored against the Nomads this weekend.
His goal was a stunning strike, as he picked up the ball from Jamie Breese, and skipped passed a couple Nomads defenders, before smashing home past Oliver Byrne.
Most of Newtown’s play went through the central midfielder, as he dictated most of the game for his side at the Deeside Stadium.
Two goal contributions in two matches is a very good return for a player coming into a side battling relegation. The midfielder could be instrumental in the Robins’ survival in the Cymru Premier this season.
Nomads’ adaptability
Kris Owens was due to start for the Nomads but suffered an injury in the warm up. Andy Morrison adapted by bringing John Disney into the starting line-up, where he gave a solid performance at left-back.
The Nomads were also forced to adapt when Jamie Insall was shown his marching orders in the 24th minute.
George Horan was visibly playing as a striker in the beginning of the second half. A tactic Andy Morrison has employed multiple times in the past.
A defensive block was set once Michael Wilde put the hosts ahead. Newtown had a lot of possession, but couldn’t really create any chances, as the Nomads’ defence stayed resolute.
The Nomads close in on TNS
Following yesterday’s results in the Cymru Premier, Andy Morrison’s side sit only one point behind league-leaders TNS.
A game in hand on TNS means that the Nomads would go top, regardless of TNS’ results, if they were to win their remaining Phase One fixtures.
The Nomads have fairly favourable fixtures for the remainder of Phase One of the Cymru Premier. They’d be expected to win most if not all of their remaining fixtures, bar Bala Town away.
TNS only have four fixtures left in Phase One. They only have to face one more top six side, as they travel down to Haverfordwest next Saturday.
Vital fixtures ahead for Newtown
The Robins are only one of two sides to have never been relegated from the Cymru Premier. That status has been in peril this season, as Chris Hughes’ side has been flirting with relegation.
Following their victory over Penybont in midweek, Newtown have moved out of the relegation zone. They still only sit three points clear of Aberystwyth, who sit at the bottom of the league.
In their remaining five fixtures, Newtown face two other sides in the bottom four, Aberystwyth and Cefn Druids. These fixtures could be the difference between the Robins staying up or going down.
After an impressive victory over Penybont, and an encouraging performance in patches against the Nomads, Newtown will have a lot more confidence going into these vital fixtures.
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