GAP Nomads 18's Get Back To Winning Ways

After last weeks bitter defeat to Spartans, the young Nomads bounce back to collect all 3 points against Caerwys

Nomads were on the road this week as they travelled away to Caerwys, whom were new to the league after folding from the Welsh National Division One.

Before kick off the Reds knew that the pitch would not suit their style of play, it was very short and was cutting up in the early stages.

The game started off a very scrappy affair as both team were feeling each-other out, there were some poor tackles for both sides and it was very stop start. With the pitch being as small as it was when chances were fashioned by either side there was invariably a wall of bodies around the 18 yard box making it difficult to make any testing efforts.

The first goal came through a free kick, Leon Doran delivered a beautiful ball and Sam Haddon rose highest to flick the ball beyond the keeper who was caught in two minds.

Caerwys could feel slightly aggrieved going in at half time 1-0 down as they created one or two chances which on another day could have resulted in a goal if the finishing was of a higher quality.

The half time talk was about discipline and keeping their heads as the young lads were battling hard and being sucked into so gamesmanship from some of the experienced Caerwys players, this of course is part and parcel of the game!

Second half their was a change of system 4-4-2 and it worked extremely well with more chances being created in the first 10 minutes than in the previous 45.

However it was Caerwys that would get the next goal to make it 1-1. A mix up at the back between brothers Jordan Manley and Owen Manley saw their home teams strikers pinch the ball at the back and play a through ball, there was a very strong shout for offside that was not given and the Caerwys number 9 was fouled in the box as he went to shoot. The resulting penalty was buried to make it even.

Within 5 minutes Nomads had regained their lead through Jack Foster. Leon Doran again provided as he hit a ball down the line for Foster to chase. The opposition keeper, who had been sweeping up for his side all game came rushing out before realising he would be second best; in no mans land he watched as Foster lifted the ball over him into the net.

Whilst Caerwys were still reeling Nomads hit again, Owen Manley found Sam Haddon who danced his way across the front of the opposition back 4 and smashed a curling left footed strike past the keeper from 25 yards.

Caerwys would get one more goal to make a nervy last 5 minutes for Nomads after a delightful dink over the defenders was slotted away by the opposing striker but Nomads rode it out to collect a valuable 3 points.

The game itself was not pretty and we have to commend the referee for how he handled some situations, both teams were stuck into eachother from whistle one and the banter on the pitch was flying from minute 1 to minute 90. The experience of the pitch and the style of play will be a massive development aid for the Under 18s just on its own.

Scorers
Sam Haddon x2 (Leon Doran x2 assists)
Jack Foster (Owen Manley assist)

Player of the Match - Leon Doran
Leon put a masterclass of a performance in today, firstly at right centre back and then at right back in the second half. He kept a lively Caerwys number 9 at bay and handled some of the off the ball experience that the 9 had too. In the second half he was marauding up the right hand side and causing all sorts of problems. He threw in 2 assists (and a booking) in the 60 minutes that he was on the pitch before being rested for the 19's game vs Bangor the next day.