A late Wingmakers resurgence wasn’t enough to stop Connah’s Quay from claiming a victory in the first of two games against the Nomads over the Christmas period.
First half goals from Jamie Insall and John Disney claimed victory for the JD Cyrmru Premier's second placed team, even though Andy Owens did pull a goal back from the penalty spot with 10 minutes to go.
Steve O’Shaughnessy had for only the second time in nearly two months a full strength side to choose from, with Jordan Evans coming back in to make his first start in almost a month – the only change from the draw against Cefn Druids last weekend.
The Derby Day passion was shown from the off, as both teams looked to get an early goal in the game. It was the Nomads who had the first chance through Bakare, but he couldn’t keep his volley down.
In the seventh minute, Curtis Strong went down injured, and although he did get back up, he would eventually be replaced at half time by Owen Payne.
The deadlock was broken in the 15th minute by Insall. The Nomads worked a good passing play, and Michael Wilde was able to find the number 10 open in the box. He slotted his 10th goal of the season from close range.
The goal seemed to rejuvenate the Bus, as they enjoyed a sustained period of attack against the home side.
The best chance of this period fell to Evans. He was able to break through the defence to be one-on-one with Lewis Brass in the Nomads net. The midfielder snatched his shot which resulted in a comfortable save.
Both sides then held firm, with half chances coming and going until the 37th minute. This is when the Bus had a free kick just on the edge of the box. Evans’ strike was tipped over the bar by Bass.
As half time loomed, against the run of play, the Nomads doubled their lead courtesy of Disney. The defender shot low and hard and it was nearly saved by Dave Roberts, but the ball bounced off his hand and into the back of the net. It was a cruel blow to concede on the stroke of the break.
The second period started like the first, with both outfits coming out of the blocks quickly. Airbus had to hold off an early onslaught from the Nomads.
Steve O’Shaughnessy’s men then started finding a foothold, as Evans managed to break through with pace but he was ruled offside.
The Wingmakers made two quick changes, with George Peers coming on for Evans, and Ollie Lanceley making way for James Hooper.
Although the home side did have opportunities, the Airbus defence were resolute. The Wingmakers’ substitutions started to cause problems for the hosts.
In the 79th minute, Owens was brought down in the box. The former Connah’s Quay man stepped up and fired home the resulting penalty on his return to the Deeside Stadium. The strike is his eighth goal of the season.
This set up an intriguing last 10 minutes. Airbus went all out to find an equaliser. Deep into added time, Stephen Tommassen nearly rescued a point. The Captain's venomous half volley looked to be heading for the goal, but at the last second, a Nomads defender sent the ball past the far post to ensure maximum points for the home side.
Both sides face off again on Monday, this time at the The Hollingsworth Group Stadium.
Teams
Airbus: Roberts, Strong (Payne 45′), Tomassen (Capt), Palmer, Hughes, Owens, Evans (Peers 63′), Hart, Lanceley (Hooper 69′), Williams, Sargent.
Connah's Quay: Brass, Disney, Harrison (Harwood 90+3′), Holmes, J Owen, K Owens, Morris, Poole, Bakare ( Farquharson 78′) , Wilde, Insall (Dool 55′)
