Deeside Disappointment For The New Saints, As Connah’s Quay Nomads Clinch All Three Points

Match Report

Yellow cards: Redmond (25), Holland (52), Marriott (90+4)
Substitutions: Harrington for Davies (17), Byrne for Holland (62), Cieslewicz for Nembhard (85)

Match report by Sam Wood

There was disappointment at the Deeside Stadium, as The New Saints lost 1-0 against Connah’s Quay Nomads.

In a match ravaged by high winds, a Craig Curran strike in the seventh minute of first-half stoppage time was enough to prove the difference.

The result now leaves Scott Ruscoe’s side four points adrift of the Nomads, who continue to set the pace at the top of the JD Cymru Premier.

It was clear that the weather would cause problems right from the opening whistle, and that was certainly the case with 10 minutes played, when Danny Redmond’s cross-field ball was caught up in the wind and went out for a throw-in.

The Saints’ situation wasn’t helped by an enforced injury to Keston Davies, as he came off worst following a challenge with Kris Owens. The number four was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation, so Ryan Harrington came on in his place.

And in the 26th minute, Paul Harrison needed to be alert, as he tipped behind a Nomads free-kick which appeared to be sneaking in at the back post.

Scott Ruscoe’s side were again forced into some superb defending with 34 minutes played, as Chris Marriott made a crucial interception with Jamie Insall waiting to pounce behind him.

Down the other end, it was good work by the home side this time around, as Priestly Farquharson dived in to block a Ryan Brobbel strike, which appeared to be testing Lewis Brass in goal.

Seven minutes of stoppage time were indicated, following the lengthy Davies injury, and no sooner had the board gone up, Harrison was called into action once more.

Another great save by The Saints’ club captain was produced however, and George Horan’s header was tipped over for a corner.

But just as it appeared like the sides would go in level at the break, Connah’s Quay were able to get that all important goal with virtually the last kick of the half.

From a long pass forward, it was Joash Nembhard who got the unfortunate touch, heading the ball back into the path of Craig Curran, keeping him onside, and the Nomads’ number 19 made no mistake as he finished past Harrison.

Realising the importance of an equalising goal, it was The Saints who started the second-half on the front foot. A dangerous ball from the left by Danny Redmond looked to be causing problems for the home defenders, but Declan Poole was on hand to mop up.

Then, with 55 minutes played, Dean Ebbe tried his luck from distance, but it proved to be a comfortable save for Brass in the end.

Although The Saints now had the wind in their favour, Andy Morrison’s team continued to look dangerous on the counter-attack.

Blaine Hudson needed to keep his concentration to dispossess Insall three minutes later, and their individual battle continued throughout the half, with The Saints man coming out on top.

In search of the equaliser, Scott Ruscoe turned to the attacking options on his bench, with Kurtis Byrne and Adrian Cieslewicz being introduced for Joash Nembhard and Tom Holland.

And although his side threw everything at their opponents in the closing stages, it was to no avail, as the hosts saw out the victory with resolute defending.