MATCH REPORT: ABERYSTWYTH TOWN 1-1 CONNAH'S QUAY NOMADS

On a blustery afternoon in Ceredigion, Aber Town ended a very difficult season with a creditable draw at home to JD Welsh Cup Finalists, Connah’s Quay Nomads. Cymru Premier Top Scorer Rhys Hughes opened the scoring for the visitors in the 21st minute, but Iwan Lewis equalised for the Black and Greens after 45+3 minutes, and that’s how it stayed despite an entertaining second half.

A comparatively low-key start saw Max Woodcock's shot deflected wide for Nomads, then Alex Darlington went close with a classy long range speculative lob from halfway. Woodcock fired wide again but then just before the halfway point, Hughes rounded home keeper Seb Osment and managed to get the ball over the line despite a late clearance, and Nomads were ahead. The promising Rico Patterson saw a good cross gathered by George Ratcliffe, and Gwydion Dafis replaced Johnny Evans, injured on his 150th appearance in Black and Green. In fact, it was Dafis who pressurised the visiting back three in injury time, so that Lewis was able to win the ball and slot calmly past Ratcliffe for the equaliser. Patterson was then inches away from earning the lead for Aber with a trademark free kick which excited the home crowd, and the sides went in level at the break.

Into the second half, Dan Roberts headed past the post for Nomads, as did Darlington for Aber, then sub Olly Wright twice curled wide. Liam Walsh made a super goal saving tackle, then sub keeper Dave Jones got down really well to twice deny Hughes a second, as well as Sam Durrant. Durrant then missed the target twice more, with the Seasiders holding on gallantly for a point. Jones tipped over an attempt from Wright, then Patterson set up Jack Thorn who volleyed just wide. John Owen then saw a volley deflected for a corner with Aber threatening a late winner, but right at the death Jones did well to deny Hughes yet again, and the honourable stalemate was complete.

So Aberystwyth Town ended the season bottom of the JD Cymru Premier, albeit with four points from their last two games which raised the spirits of the hardy and loyal Black and Green supporters. A new challenge awaits at the end of July when the Black and Greens’ Tier 2 campaign opens. We’ll Be Back!