Nomads vs TNS Match Programme (09-10-21)

CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS

THE NEW SAINTS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2021 JD CYMRU PREMIER

£3

CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS

NOTES FROM THE CHAIR Hello all and welcome back to Deeside for a game that needs no introduction.

Over the past few years, ourselves and TNS have been the top two sides in the JD Cymru Premier and with that has come a great rivalry between ourselves and the Saints. I’ve no doubt we’re in for another entertaining occasion today, and a big welcome to Anthony, Ian and the whole TNS contingent.

CLUB HONOURS CYMRU PREMIER 2020, 2021 WELSH CUP 2018 WELSH LEAGUE CUP 1996, 2020 EUROPA PLAYOFFS 2016 CYMRU ALLIANCE 2011, 2012 WELSH AMATEUR CUP 1953 NORTH WALES CHALLENGE CUP 1994 COOKSON CUP 1988

Welcome also to the team from Sgorio, here to do a live Webcast of the game today. We shouldn’t underestimate the importance of them for capturing our league on camera and pushing it out to a wider audience. A serious amount of work also goes on all week to make these broadcasts happen on a Saturday, thank you Sgorio for once again getting everything set up here at Deeside.

This is a special game as it marks the first home game that Craig Harrison will take charge as our manager, and it must be fate that it’s against his former club TNS where he is a legend for establishing such a strong period of dominance for them.

Although we were all sad to say goodbye to Andy Morrison, Craig’s reputation at this level goes before him and just as with Andy, we have one of the best managers in Welsh Football at the helm, alongside assistant Jon McCarthy who also arrives at Deeside for the first time, I know the Nomads faithful will make him feel welcome.

A positive result today would be massive against an in-form TNS, as well as provide a welcome boost ahead of the Flint game next weekend, in the last 16 of the JD Welsh Cup. We’ll need all the support we can get there, so please do make the journey over as it’s bound to be a good atmosphere.

BARRITT CUP 1995 CLWYD LEAGUE 1980, 1981, 1982 FAW YOUTH CUP 1948 CYMRU NORTH DEVELOPMENT 2013, 2020 WELSH COLLEGES U19 CUP 2015, 2016 BRITISH COLLEGES NW LEAGUE 2015, 2016, 2017

CEO Tom Houghton

CHAIRPERSON Victoria Roycroft

PRESIDENTJohn Gray

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Emma-Clare Hewitt

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Nik Mesney CLUB SECRETARY Will Catterall MATCHDAY CO-ORDINATOR Trevor Green HOSPITALITY Roma Gray TREASURER John Nixon

CLUB HISTORIAN David Rapson

HONORABLE CLUB PATRONS Lord Barry Jones, Roger Speed LIFE PRESIDENTS Richard Jones, Bill Dudley HEAD COACH Craig Harrison

ASSISTANT MANAGER Jon McCarthy

DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL Jay Catton

GOALKEEPING COACH Neil Ebbrell

HEAD THERAPIST Paloma Gioia

KIT MAN Mal Latter

MATCHDAY VIDEO ANALYST Antonio Magalhaes

CONTENTS CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS

04 06 08 14

04 06 08 10 12 14 16 20 22 24 26

MATCH PREVIEW

A look ahead to this afternoon’s game

NOMADS DRAW AT HAVERFORDWEST Match report from our 1-1 draw in west Wales

TREFELIN CUP VICTORY

Match report from our 4-0 victory in the Welsh Cup

THIS WEEK IN HISTORY

A look back at past events in the club’s history

ELSEWHERE IN THE LEAGUE A look at the league table and fixtures

HISTORY AGAINST TNS An overview of past encounters

A VIEW FROM THE STAND

Will Catterall looks ahead to today’s game

NOMADS PLAYING SQUAD Stats and who’s who at The Nomads

NOMADS STAFF Meet our staff

AN ENGLISH GROUNDHOPPER Guest article from Michael Grimes

FIXTURES, RESULTS AND LINEUPS All the detail of the 2021/22 campaign

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CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS

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CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS

NEW LOOK NOMADS HOST SAINTS This afternoon sees Connah’s Quay Nomads host The New Saints in the JD Cymru Premier.

It is the first time that The Nomads have faced TNS this season with many changes compared to the last meeting of the two sides here at Deeside back in May. That day saw a 0-0 draw and we would ultimately go on to win the league title, however a number of faces have left both sides, with Danny Davies and Jamie Mullan making the switch between the two sides also.

The match marks Craig Harrison’s first home match in charge of The Nomads following the recent departure of Andy Morrison alongside his new assistant Jon McCarthy.

It is always one of the first games most look for on the fixtures calendar and today’s game will be no different with the early kick off being streamed live on Sgorio’s online channels.

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CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS

1-1 JD Cymru Premier Saturday 2nd October 2021

NOMADS FORCED TO SETTLE FOR DRAW AFTER LATE EQUALISER Saturday afternoon saw Connahs Quay Nomads suffer heartbreak right at the death as Ben Fawcett’s 88th minute equalizer cancelled out Callum Morris’ 35th minute penalty.

• The Nomads faced Haverfordwest In their furthest away day on the calendar • This game was the first for new manager Craig Harrison and his assistant Jon McCarthy • Captain Callum Morris gave The Nomads the lead through a first half penalty • Ben Fawcett equalized late on for Haverfordwest to make the score and eventual result 1-1 The Nomads traveled to Bridge Meadow stadium following a draw and 2 defeats in their last 3 matches in the JD Welsh Cymru Premier League.

This game was the first for new manager Craig Harrison and new assistant Jon McCarthy following Andy Morrison’s departure.

The Nomads started the game very well in the early minutes enjoying possession down the wings but crosses from Jamie Insall, Declan Poole and Ryan Harrington proved to be straight forward for Haverfordwest keeper Gadja.

In the 22nd minute, The Nomads suffered a

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setback as Kris Owens went down with a slight knock but was deemed able to carry on and he was back out there for time being. This led to his eventual substitution in the 29th minute as he was forced to come off due to the injury. In his replacement came on Harrison Webster who had an instant impact but his crosses were cleared by Haverfordwest.

In the 35th minute the pivotal point in the first half came as Jamie Insall was brought down inside the penalty box and the referee, with no hesitation pointed straight to the spot. The captain Callum Morris straight away picked up the ball and place it on the spot and he calmly slotted it down the middle of the net to give The Nomads a well deserved 1-0 lead.

Towards the end of the first half, Haverfordwest began to pile on the pressure including a free kick 20 yards out. As a result, they couldn’t manage to find a way through The Nomads defence and goalkeeper Oliver Byrne in the first half, so the Nomads went into the break with a 1 goal advantage.

In the 50th minute, the Haverfordwest pressure continued as Touray Sisay was put through on goal, but John Disney showed incredible determination and strength to keep The Nomads’ clean sheet

CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS over the line which Oliver Byrne couldn’t keep out and the referee gave the goal which made the game 1-1.

The fourth official added an extra 2 minutes at the end of the full 90 minutes but nothing cam of it and that was the final whistle and so the final score was 1-1 which meant frustration for The Nomads.

The next fixture for The Nomads sees them host current leaders in the league, The New Saints which is going to be a cracking game and one that The Nomads look to be victorious in after being frustrated in their last three fixtures.

intact.

This pressure kept coming as Touray Sisay was played in but following a crucial block from number 15 Danny Holmes gave Haverfordwest a series of corners but resulted in no troubling attempts on goal.

Jamie Mullan was then introduced onto the pitch in place of Paulo Mendes as Craig Harrison looked to add that extra attack to try and push for that all important 2nd goal to put the game well within The Nomads’ favour.

In the 80th minute, Wilson controlled a long ball over the top for Haverfordwest and looked to tip it past Oliver Byrne but his shot came back off the post and looked to be trickling in but Byrne’s incredible collection still meant The Nomads led 1-0.

In the 88th minute, the equalizer for Haverfordwest came as a scramble in the box fell to forward Ben Fawcett and tapped the ball just

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CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS

0-4 JD Welsh Cup Saturday 24th September 2021

NOMADS MAKE IT BACK TO BACK CUP WINS AFTER COMFORTABLE VICTORY Saturday afternoon saw Connah’s Quay Nomads defeat Trefelin BGC 4-0 thanks to goal from Paulo Mendes, Declan Poole and a brace from Jamie Insall.

• The Nomads faced Trefelin in the third round of the JD Welsh Cup • Jamie Insall makes it 5 goals in 2 games to continue scoring run • Paulo Mendes nets his first goal for The Nomads • Declan Poole scores a stunning goal to top off incredible day for The Nomads This game saw The Nomads face Trefelin in the third round of the JD Welsh Cup. This game was history for the opposition as it was their first ever televised game. Although Trefelin gave a valiant effort, The Nomads ran away with the win with a 4-0 victory.

The early minutes of the match saw The Nomads enjoy a lot of possession down the left and right hand sides and these crosses were making the Trefelin defence work. Trefelin keeper Keenan Bailey was forced to make a couple of saves from

8

low crosses met by Jamie Insall.

The impressive start from The Nomads paid off as Ryan Harrington played a fantastic through to number 10 Jamie Insall and he fired in off of the crossbar to smash home The Nomads’ first of the afternoon.

Trefelin defended brilliantly for the rest of the half as George Horan was denied from a looping header and Declan Poole nearly scored a thunderbolt to make it 2-0 before the break but was put behind for a corner.

So at half time, it was 1-0 to The Nomads who had dominated possession and after Jamie Insall’s exquisite finish, The Nomads certainly looked in the mood for a goal fest in the second half.

Early in the second half, Danny Holmes, who made his first appearance since the European game against FC Alashkert, was booked for a foul on the edge of the box. This was a return which is crucial to The Nomads as Danny Holmes can now come back and play to his full ability and we hope to see him play more and more.

CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS Danny being on a yellow card and to not risk his value to this Nomads side.

In the 70th minute, The Nomads put the game to bed as Jamie Insall continued his outstanding scoring run as a cross from the substitute Webster was nodded in by Insall. This gave Insall 5 goals in his last 2 games and lets hope he can continue this scoring run for upcoming fixtures.

Returning to the side was Jamie Mullan and he came on a sub for goalscorer Paulo Mendes early in the second half. Mullan played a lovely pass and go with Curran but was denied by Trefelin goalkeeper Keenan Bailey.

So this was a comfortable 4-0 victory for The Nomads and they have their place in the fourth round of the JD Welsh Cup. Huge mention to Trefelin for their efforts and we wish them the best of luck for the season.

The Nomads now face another trip to south Wales next Saturday as we return to JD Cymru Premier action as we face Haverfordwest County who also progressed in the Welsh Cup thanks to a 2-1 victory over Airbus.

In the 51st minute, The Nomads had a corner which resulted in a scrap in the box and there was Paulo Mendes to tap home for his first goal for The Nomads since signing in August 2021 to make it 2-0. This goal looked to put one foot in the fourth round for The Nomads as the enjoyment of possession was evidently present.

Ryan Harrington continued his fantastic display as he was putting in crosses, playing brilliant passes and was firing shots towards goal. In the 59th minute, he looked to fire a 25 yard strike into the back of the net but narrowly whistled over the top.

In the 65th minute, The Nomads secured their 3rd goal to make it 3-0 as Declan Poole collected the ball on the right hand side, cut inside and fired a beautiful left foot curler into the top corner to give The Nomads a deserved 3 goal lead over their opponents.

Danny Holmes was then subbed off in the 66th minute for Harrison Webster. This was due to

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CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS

THIS WEEK IN HISTORY 5th October 2019

CARMARTHEN TOWN 1-2 CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS

6th October 2020

7th October 2018

8th October 2011

9th October 2010

CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS 3-1 CAERNARFON

CONWY UNITED 2-2 CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS

10

CARDIFF MET 1-3 CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS

RUTHIN TOWN 0-4 CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS

CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS

FROM

£ 18 a mont6 h

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CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS

ELSEWHERE IN THE LEAGUE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Club The New Saints Bala Town Flint Town Caernarfon Town Cardiff Met University Newtown Barry Town United Connah's Quay Nomads Penybont Aberystwyth Town Haverfordwest County Cefn Druids

P 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7

W 6 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 1 2 1 0

D 1 3 0 2 2 1 1 3 5 0 2 0

L 0 0 3 2 2 3 3 2 1 5 4 7

GF 18 12 15 12 9 14 10 6 11 4 7 3

GA 6 5 7 9 11 11 11 5 9 9 13 25

Saturday 9th September 2021

Connah’s Quay Nomads vs The New Saints 12:45pm - Deeside Stadium, Connah’s Quay, Wales Aberystwyth Town vs Caernarfon Town 2:30pm - Park Avenue, Aberystwyth, Wales Bala Town vs Cefn Druids 2:30pm - Maes Tegid, Bala, Wales Cardiff Met Uni vs Haverfordwest County 2:30pm - Cyncoed Campus, Cardiff, Wales Flint Town United vs Barry Town United 2:30pm - Essity Stadium, Flint, Wales Newtown vs Penybont 2:30pm - Latham Park, Newtown, Wales

12

GD 12 7 8 3 -2 3 -1 1 2 -5 -6 -22

Pts. 19 15 12 11 11 10 10 9 8 6 5 0

CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS

O F F I C I A L

B A L L

S U P P L I E R

Club 1 Flint Town United 2 The New Saints 3 Caernarfon Town 4 Connah's Quay Nomads 5 Aberystwyth Town 6 Bala Town 7 Penybont 8 Barry Town United 9 Cefn Druids 10 Haverfordwest County 11 Newtown 12 Cardiff Met University

P 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

W 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

D 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

Macron Store Llanelli - info@macronstorellanelli.com • 07800 634 264 [Ray] Macrone Store Neath - sales@macronstoreneath.co.uk • 01792 321 364 [Ray] Macron Store Ebbw Vale - sales@macronstoreebbwvale.co.uk • 07800 903 724 [Matt] Macron Store Cardiff - sales@macronstorecardiff.com • 02920 811 053 [Amanda] 13 Macron Store Wrexham - info@macronstorewrexham.co.uk • 01978 355 794 [Andy]

L 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1

CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS

HISTORY AGAINST

The New Saints L 57

W 15

0

D 16

GOALS SCORED

80

120

178

1st May 2021

24th April 2021

12th December 2020

13th October 2020

CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS 2-0 TNS

160

69

GOALS AGAINST

CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS 0-0 TNS

14

40

TNS 1-4 CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS

TNS 1-0 CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS

200

CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS

21st February 2020

18th January 2020

1st November 2019

5th May 2019

CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS 1-0 TNS

CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS 1-1 TNS

TNS 2-1 CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS

CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS 0-3 TNS

OTHER ENCOUNTERS Apr 26 2019 Mar 9 2019 Oct 20 2018 Aug 19 2018 Apr 4 2018 Mar 6 2018 Feb 24 2018 Dec 19 2017 Nov 20 2017 Oct 10 2017 Apr 7 2017 Apr 1 2017 Mar 21 2017

TNS 1-0 Connah’s Quay Nomads Connah’s Quay Nomads 0-2 TNS TNS 3-0 Connah’s Quay Nomads Connah’s Quay Nomads 1-0 TNS TNS 3-1 Connah’s Quay Nomads Connah’s Quay Nomads 2-1 TNS Connah’s Quay Nomads 0-1 TNS TNS 3-0 Connah’s Quay Nomads Connah’s Quay Nomads 0-1 TNS Connah’s Quay Nomads 2-2 TNS TNS 1-0 Connah’s Quay Nomads TNS 3-0 Connah’s Quay Nomads Connah’s Quay Nomads 2-1 TNS

Welsh Premier League Welsh Premier League Welsh Premier League Welsh Premier League Welsh Premier League Welsh Cup Welsh Premier League Welsh Premier League Welsh League Cup Welsh Premier League Welsh Premier League Welsh Cup Welsh Premier League

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CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS

ABY WILL VIEW FROM THE STAND CATTERALL Welcome to Deeside as we prepare to welcome The New Saints for this live Sgorio webcast fixture. Nomads v TNS is a real highlight of the JD Cymru Premier fixture, and we’re in for a great battle with both sides gunning for three points in front of the cameras this afternoon.

They say things move fast in football, and it rings true for us as we come back to Deeside with a new management team of Craig Harrison as head coach and Jon McCarthy as assistant manager.

Obviously, Craig was already part of our team and has been highly influential in our title-winning seasons, with Jon a renowned coach at this level with a fantastic pedigree as a player and coach.

Football also has a funny way of going about things, and it just had to be that Craig makes his official Deeside debut as manager against his former club TNS, where amongst countless trophies he set the world record for the longest winning-streak in football.

Just as Andy Morrison had a reputation as one of the best coaches in the JD Cymru Premier, Craig is in his own right in the same category and it’s been great to see he has the backing of our loyal fanbase as we enter a busy period as always in Welsh Football.

progression this season, so we hope you’ll join us at as many matches as possible, even as the weather gets colder!

Last week at Haverfordwest was a bittersweet result, as a point away down there is always a result you’d take, but to have a would-be win taken away from us in the 87th minute was a cruel blow that sometimes happens in the game. If we can learn from it and bounce back quickly, we’ll finish the season better off because of it.

Enjoy the game today and get behind the lads, this one is going to be another entertaining clash between two teams who have put Welsh Football on the map in recent years.

Score Prediction: Nomads 1-0 TNS Player of the week: Callum Morris Callum is our resident penalty taker and having been here for over 6 years, he’s put many away during his time at Deeside. He stepped up again at Haverfordwest to get us an important goal, and has a habit of knowing how to unlock the game from midfield. His experience against sides like TNS will be another key part of our arsenal for the season.

Over the next month, we take on Flint away in the JD Welsh Cup, have a midweek home game against Newtown AFC, a home cup clash with Holywell Town, and a trip to Cardiff before ending the month home against Cefn Druids. There’s no doubt that all of the games are vital for our

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CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS

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26/07/2021 16:16

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CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS

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CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS

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CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS

2021/22 STATS CYMRU PREMIER EUROPE WELSH CUP LEAGUE CUP NAME APPS GOALS APPS GOALS APPS GOALS APPS GOALS Oliver BYRNE 7 0 3 0 1 0 2 0 John DISNEY 6 1 4 0 1 0 3 0 Harrison WEBSTER 0 (3) 0 0 0 0 (1) 0 0 (2) 0 Ryan HARRINGTON 6 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 George HORAN 6 1 3 2 1 0 1 (1) 3 Danny HARRISON^ 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Paulo MENDES 2 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 Jamie MULLAN 5 (1) 0 4 0 0 (1) 0 2 0 Callum MORRIS 7 1 4 1 1 0 3 1 Byron HARRISON 5 1 0 0 1 0 2 2 Michael WILDE^ 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 Jamie INSALL 5 0 3 2 1 2 1 3 Jordan DAVIES 5 (1) 0 2 (1) 0 0 0 3 1 Declan POOLE 3 0 3 0 1 1 2 1 Tom MOORE 2 (2) 0 3 (1) 1 0 0 0 (1) 1 Danny HOLMES 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 Jay OWEN 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Kris OWENS 7 0 3 (1) 0 1 0 3 1 Tom BIBBY 0 (3) 0 0 (1) 0 0 0 0 (2) 0 Craig CURRAN 5 1 3 1 0 (1) 0 2 (1) 0 Aron WILLIAMS 2 (2) 0 0 (4) 0 0 0 1 (1) 0 Neil EARDLEY 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Aeron EDWARDS 3 (1) 0 3 (1) 0 0 0 2 0 Kai CALDERBANK-PARK 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 Charlie HOLLAND 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (1) 0 Joe EVANS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Harry OWEN 0 (1) 0 0 (1) 0 0 0 0 (2) 0 ^ indicates player no longer with club

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CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS

FIRST TEAM SQUAD 1

OLIVER BYRNE Goalkeeper

2

JOHN DISNEY Defender

7

JAMIE MULLAN Midfielder

8

CALLUM MORRIS Midfielder

14

TOM MOORE Defender

20

SAMERON DOOL Midfielder

36

JOE EVANS Goalkeeper

3

HARRISON WEBSTER Defender

4

RYAN HARRINGTON Defender

5

GEORGE HORAN Defender

6

PAOLO MENDES Midfielder

9

BYRON HARRISON Forward

10

JAMIE INSALL Forward

11

JORDAN DAVIES Forward

12

DECLAN POOLE Midfielder

DANNY HOLMES Defender

16

JAY OWEN Midfielder

17

KRIS OWENS Defender

18

TOM BIBBY Midfielder

19

CRAIG CURRAN Forward

21

ARON WILLIAMS Midfielder

23 22

NEAL EARDLEY Midfielder

23

AERON EDWARDS Midfielder

24

KAI CALDERBANK PARK Goalkeeper

27

CHARLIE HOLLAND Midfielder

53

HARRY OWEN Defender

15

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CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS

PLAYING STAFF CRAIG HARRISON Head Coach

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JON MCCARTHY Assistant Manager

Sponsored by

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22

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CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS

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CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS

AN ENGLISH GROUNDHOPPER IN WALES

BY MICHAEL GRIMES

Ironic really, walking the down the street in Shotton on the way to the opening game of the Nomads JD Cymru 2019-20 season. Seeing the queue for the bus to take, presumably Welsh fans, to Old Trafford. There’s me an English Premier League fan, of a different United; West Ham, going the other way over the border. A football nomad off to see the ones in Connor’s Quay.

Why not just enjoy my seat in the comfort of the London Stadium? This time I can’t even say it’s the lack of a running track and closeness of the action.

Obviously I’m not a glory hunter, I’m not a fan of either team I’m going to see, in fact I can’t really say I know much about the Welsh Premier League.

Maybe that’s the attraction?

The seed was started when I finished doing the famous ‘92’, whilst doing this I started writing about my adventures and getting my articles published. This sort of gave me the excuse to combine what I loved doing, a break from the drudgery of ‘real work’, something to set my sights on, to use skills I can’t use at work; organising travel, working out logistics, which can get complicated when you are seeing multiple teams, which was what I was doing then. Also writing, something I hadn’t really done till that point, and learning about the places visited and the clubs… oh there’s also the football.

Why particularly Wales? The idea was planted by a magazine editor who was rejecting my ideas for articles, so at the end of my tether I just asked him what DO you want then? He told me he was short of Welsh clubs. OK …he can have Welsh

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clubs. So from August till November 2019, just before the infamous C word hit our vocabulary, I went to all 12 of the PL clubs. I decided to write a book about it; my first ever book, writing about something I had no expertise on. I know the average fan of Welsh football could take me apart if I tried to claim otherwise, so didn’t.

The book was self-published in a small quantity; I did study up, reading many books, on not just the clubs, but the towns they were situated in. I got help from the experts when needed, Dave Collins at Welsh Football, despite admitting his wariness at another English fan contacting him and going on to have a laugh at the Welsh PL’s expense, was very helpful, both emailing me, correcting me and getting my head around the politics which caused many a spinny head trying to work out. Other officials also answered my questions, including Thomas Crockett at Aberystwyth Town, The Angling Rev at TNS, directors at Barry and Cardiff Met.

CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS

The result was a sell-out. However I still didn’t feel satisfied, I had re-read the book…actually the first time since proof reading it. I knew it could be better, I could turn the black and white photos colour, fix the few typos that always seem to creep through, make it hardback and upgrade the cover. So I did, I got a talented artist to design the cover, despite being French and playing accordion in Monmartre in her youth, I discovered she had studied Welsh, and though now living in England had a strong affinity for Wales. She wanted an image of the trophy, but being an artist, from an angle I couldn’t get from stock images. I contacted your very own Nik Mesney and once again he obliged me without question. This has been used on the cover, with artistic licence of course.

one wasn’t printed, however I was let known by a Tanoy announcement once this was confirmed, a personal touch. From the English side nobody has mentioned sheep or other Welsh cliches, in fact I get a lot of genuine interest when I mention what I did.

Yes I know there is a certain ‘rivalry’ between, English and Welsh supporters, ‘banter’ I suppose is the modern word for it. Most coming from the Welsh towards the English in my experience, though not helped by the now too corny ‘Welsh jokes’ coming the other way. It’s part of the game, as long as it’s not taken too seriously; a Cardiff Met fan wearing a Cardiff City shirt and almost spitting when calling TNS ‘the English Club’…had he heard of irony?

Michael’s new version of his book: From Saints to Druids: A Discovery of Welsh Football is available on www.dognduck.net Commissioned art: anyesbondier.carbonmade.com

I do intend to come back, I have another idea for a book and this time a publisher is interested.

Also, via the internet, I have met many fans of various clubs, some becoming real friends, though I haven’t physically met them. I would like go to a game with them, have a drink and chat.

To me that’s what it’s all about, travel, learning and friendship…with a bit of football thrown in.

Thing is I expected that, but it never occurred.

I travelled mainly incognito during my travels, so most clubs wouldn’t know what I was doing.

When certain clubs found out what I was up to I was treated well, Bala took a photo of me and put it on their social media, Cefn Druids offered to take me on tour of their ground, as did TNS. At Nomads I asked for a programme, however

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CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS

FIXTURES, RESULTS AND LI DATE

OPPOSITION LOC.

MAY

APR

FEB JAN DEC

NOV

OCT

SEPT

AUG

JULY

Wed 7 FC Alashkert H* Wed 14 FC Alashkert A Tue 20 FC Prishtina A Thu 29 FC Prishtina H* Fri 6 Llandudno H Fri 13 Cefn Druids A Fri 20 Aberystwyth Town H Sat 28 Penybont A Tue 31 Caernarfon Town H Fri 3 Rhyl 1879 H Sat 11 Barry Town Utd A Sat 18 Bala Town H Tue 21 Airbus UK H Sat 25 Trefelin BGC A Sat 2 Haverfordwest Cty. A Sat 9 The New Saints H Tue 12 Newtown H Fri 15 Flint Town Utd A Sat 23 Cardiff Met A Tue 26 Nathaniel MG Cup QF Fri 29 Cefn Druids H Fri 5 Bala Town A Tue 9 Caernarfon Town A Sat 20 Penybont H Sat 27 Nathaniel MG Cup SF Fri 3 Aberystwyth Town A Sat 11 Cardiff Met H Sat 18 Haverfordwest Cty. H Sun 26 Flint Town Utd A Sat 1 Flint Town Utd H Sat 22 The New Saints A Sat 29 Barry Town Utd H Sat 5 Nathaniel MG Cup Final Sat 12 Newtown A Sat 19 JD Welsh Cup QF Sat 26 Start of Phase Two MAR Sat 26 JD Welsh Cup SF Sat 23 Final game of Phase Two Sat 30 or JD Welsh Cup Final Sun 1/Mon 2 Tue 3 Play off QF Sat 7/Sun 8 Play off SF Mon 16 Play off Final

26

SCORE ATT.

STARTING XI

2-2 0-1 1-4 4-2 2-0 2-0 1-0 1-1 1-1 5-0 0-1 0-1 6-3 4-0 1-1

Byrne Byrne Calderbank-Park Byrne Byrne Byrne Byrne Byrne Byrne Byrne Byrne Byrne Calderbank-Park Byrne Byrne

141 4000 1268 108 246 350 365 305 361 342 1248 207 350 200

Holmes Poole Disney Moore Harrington Moore Harrington Harrington Harrington Harrington Harrington Harrington Harrington Harrington Harrington

Disney Disney Moore Horan Disney Horan Horan Horan Horan Horan (2) Horan Horan Disney Horan Holmes

Horan Moore Horan Disney Owens Owens Owens Owens Moore Owens Owens Owens Morris Owens Disney

Poole Owens Owens Owens Morris Williams Disney Disney Owens Disney Disney Morris Owens Disney Owens

Harrison Edwards Davies Poole Williams Disney Mullan Edwards Disney Mullan Williams Poole Poole Poole Poole

Mullan Morris Morris Morris Poole Edwards Morris Morris Mullan Morris Morris Mendes Mendes Morris Edwards

J.Owen Davies Edwards Edwards Edwards Morris Poole Mullan Morris Williams Curran Mullan Edwards Mendes Morris

CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS

D LINEUPS

ds

s s

ds

JD Cymru Premier JD Welsh Cup Nathaniel MG Cup UEFA Champions’ League UEFA Europa Conference League

Bold Player = Goalscorer CAPS = Captain Yellow Card Red Card

SUBSTITUTES J.Owen Davies Edwards Edwards Edwards Morris Poole Mullan Morris Williams Curran Mullan Edwards Mendes Morris

Morris Mullan Mullan Mullan Mullan Mullan Davies Davies Davies Davies Davies Curran Davies Holmes Mendes

Curran Curran Curran Insall (2) Curran Davies Curran Curran Curran Curran Insall Insall Insall (3) Insall (2) Insall

Wilde Insall Insall Wilde Davies Insall Insall Harrison Harrison Harrison Harrison Harrison Harrison Harrison Harrison

Calderbank-Park Calderbank-Park Evans Calderbank-Park Calderbank-Park Calderbank-Park Calderbank-Park Calderbank-Park Calderbank-Park Calderbank-Park Calderbank-Park Calderbank-Park Byrne Calderbank-Park Calderbank-Park

Insall Williams Bibby Evans Moore Bibby Moore Webster Webster Webster Webster Webster Webster Webster Webster

Davies Holland Williams Harrison Bibby Roberts Bibby Moore Bibby Moore Moore Davies Horan Mullan Mullan

Moore H.Owen Holland Davies Holland Williams Williams Bibby Williams Bibby Bibby Moore Curran Davies Davies

Owens H.Owen Bibby H.Owen Pownall Holland Williams Holland H.Owen H.Owen Edwards H.Owen Curran Moore

Williams

Edwards

Williams

H.Owen

Gallagher Keenan H.Owen Nash H.Owen

Holland

H.Owen

J.Williams

H.Owen

27

CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS VS THE NEW SAINTS

CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS

THE NEW SAINTS

HEAD COACH: CRAIG HARRISON RED SHIRTS, RED SHORTS, RED SOCKS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 27 36 53

Oliver BYRNE John DISNEY Harrison WEBSTER Ryan HARRINGTON George HORAN Paulo MENDES Jamie MULLAN Callum MORRIS Byron HARRISON Jamie INSALL Jordan DAVIES Declan POOLE Tom MOORE Danny HOLMES Jay OWEN Kris OWENS Tom BIBBY Craig CURRAN Sameron DOOL Aron WILLIAMS Neal EARDLEY Aeron EDWARDS Kai CALDERBANK-PARK Charlie HOLLAND Joe EVANS Harry OWEN

1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 34 37 44 47

NEXT FIXTURE Connah’s Quay Nomads vs Newtown Deeside Stadium, Connah’s Quay, Wales 12th October 2021 | 7:45pm JD Cymru Premier

U N L O C K I N G

MANAGER: ANTHONY LIMBRICK BLUE AND GREEN SHIRTS, BLUE SHORTS & SOCKS

O P P O R T U N I T Y

Paul HARRISON Chris MARRIOTT Keston DAVIES Ryan ASTLES Jon ROUTLEDGE Dean EBBE Ryan BROBBEL Declan McMANUS Danny REDMOND Adrian CIESLEWICZ Blaine HUDSON Jordan WILLIAMS Louis ROBLES Ben CLARK Adam ROSCROW Leo SMITH Danny DAVIES Jeanny LEBLANC-AKPO Ash BAKER Connor ROBERTS Louis BRADFORD Jake CANAVAN Lewis REES Josh BAILEY Tom HOLLAND Beau CORNISH

MATCH OFFICIALS REFEREE Lee Evans FIRST ASSISTANT David Bird SECOND ASSISTANT Johnathon Bebee-Bryant FOURTH OFFICIAL Tom Owen