Connah's Quay Nomads vs ATFC: Match Review

Aber returned from North East Wales empty handed on Wednesday night despite a resolute defensive performance against the reigning Cymru Premier champions. Aber’s performance drew a lot of plaudits after the game, particularly from opposition boss Andy Morrison who was generous in his praise of Aber’s young side and the spirit they showed throughout the game.
 
Gavin Allen freshened up his team following Friday’s 1-1 draw at Newtown, making three changes to his starting eleven. Rhys Davies, Ilan Hughes and new signing Jon Foligno came in for Harri Rowe, Mathew Jones and Jack Rimmer – who all dropped to the bench. Aber came into the game on the back of a three match unbeaten run, and had the first sight of goal on 5 minutes when Friday’s goalscorer Jamie Veale tried an audacious chip from the edge of the box. Nomads’ keeper Lewis Brass was beaten, but the ball clipped the crossbar and bounced to safety.
 
On 9 minutes, the game swung in the favour of the home side, when they were awarded a penalty for a handball. Defender John Disney stepped up and made no mistake, sending Connor Roberts the wrong way as the hosts went 1-0 ahead. Nomads then had a succession of corners that Aber dealt well with, whilst Lee Jenkins was in action at both ends; first just failing to connect with a Rhys Davies free kick from deep, before a good block from a Declan Poole cross at the other.
 
On 28 minutes, Aaron Edwards made it 2-0 to the hosts after being set up by Danny Davies following a run from Sameron Dool. This left Aber facing an uphill task, but the Black & Greens looked to get themselves back into the game, with both Steff Davies and captain Marc Williams having headers saved by Nomads keeper Brass before the break. At the other end, Connor Roberts had to be alert to deny Aaron Edwards a second, pushing his shot away for another Nomads corner, and the half ended with the score at 2-0.
 
Gavin Allen made a substitution at the break, with Jack Rimmer replacing Jonathan Evans. As with the first half, it was Jamie Veale who had the first opportunity of the second. His 25 yard free kick was deflected wide for a corner, which was eventually cleared. Nomads then looked to take control of the game again, and won a number of consecutive corners, none of which really troubled Aber’s defence.
 
Jack Rimmer was soon involved in the action, sliding in to block a Nomads shot, before Harri Rowe replaced Rhys Davies on 56 minutes. Connor Roberts was then called upon again, saving from Danny Davies & Craig Curran in quick succession. Adam Davies entered the action on 65 minutes, replacing debutant Jon Foligno, as Mike Wilde came on for the Nomads and immediately had a chance which was headed wide.
 
The Seasiders were still trying to force their way back into the game, and Steff Davies and Adam Davies put the Nomads defence under pressure, only for a free-kick to be given against Adam. Jack Rimmer then sent an inviting cross into the box, which was cleared for a corner, before some appeals for an Aber penalty for a handball were turned away on 74 minutes.
 
Nomads then appeared to gain control of the game again as Jay Owen shot wide and Harri Rowe did well to prevent a shot on target, before Aber were forced to play the final 10 minutes of the game with ten men, as Ilan Hughes was unable to continue due to an injury.
 
The Black & Greens had Connor Roberts to thank for keeping the score at 2-0 on 85 minutes, as he produced another good save from Callum Morris, whilst Lee Jenkins once again showed why he is rated so highly; first doing well to block a Nomads shot on 87 minutes before clearing off the line three minutes later. Three minutes were added on at the end of the 90, and there was just enough time for Jamie Veale to line up another free-kick. His shot hit the wall and the rebound was fired just wide by Jack Rimmer, before the referee blew for full time.
 
Whilst the team will be disappointed to lose only their second match of the season, they can take heart from their brave performance and must now look to bounce back on Saturday, when Barry Town United visit Ceredigion. As is now the norm, supporters will not be admitted into the ground for the match, but you can follow all the action on our Twitter page @AberystwythTown. Thank you for your continued support!