Neal Eardley’s sublime strike saw Connah’s Quay claim a narrow 1-0 win over Caernarfon Town at The Oval.
A match of few chances was settled by a moment of quality from former Wales international Neal Eardley. The brother of former Caernarfon manager Sean, produced a stunning half volley to score the only goal of the game. The veteran’s goal earned a third successive win for the Nomads.
The match started slowly with both sides ejoying spells of possession but not doing much with it. Rob Hughes started the game with a few tasty challenges and found himself in the ref’s book with a little over 20 minutes gone. In a half of few chances, 39 year old George Horan and 42-year-old Steve Evans were looking in charge of their respective defences.
It took until the 40th minute for either keeper to make a meaningful save and that honour fell to Oliver Byrne. The Connah’s Quay man, doing well to get down to smother a Rob Hughes chance. Minutes he later produced a fantastic save to deny Mike Hayes who only had the keeper to beat.
At the half it was goalless and both managers would’ve felt that the game was there for the taking. Both would have been frustrated with their side’s performance. But knew their sides had extra gears to go and earn three points.
The second half started in the same ilk as the first. Both sides having the ball but lack quality in the final third. 10 minutes into the half, the first real opportunity of the game came. That opportunity fell to the aforementioned George Horan. A flick-on from the corner fell to the veteran and he reacted brilliantly to get a shot in however he was denied by the crossbar.
Caernarfon also saw half-chances fall their way. However, Darren Thomas, Rob Hughes, and Noah Edwards weren’t their vibrant selves in front of goal. Caernarfon had several opportunities to counterattack but lacked composure and bodies going forward.
In a game lacking quality, it took a former Wales international to provide a moment of excellence put his side 1-0 up. A cross was parried away by Orzynski as far as Eardley on the edge of the box. His thumping half-volley went bar and in and put the away side 1-0 up.
Caernarfon nearly bounced back instantly however Rob Hughes’ shot deflected wide. Connah’s Quay looked to be content with their one goal lead.
Not committing men forward but making sure they had enough men to combat the counterattack. The lack of composure and movement in the final third continued for Caernarfon. The home side did not create any clear-cut chances in their attempts to level.
The game ended on a sour note for the home side. Rob Hughes was given a second yellow which looked to be harsh. Connah’s Quay secured a third win in a row and Craig Harrison would have know his side weren’t at their best but would have been delighted with all three points.
Huw Griffiths will have been disappointed with a lacklustre performance. Next time out the Cofis travel to Haverfordwest while Connah’s Quay welcome Penybont to the Deeside Stadium where they’ll be looking for a fourth consecutive win.
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