Llanelli 1 Connah's Quay Nomads 1
NOMADS came from behind after conceding a spectacular own goal to add further credibility to their burgeoning European aspirations.
This high-octane performance at Stebonheath Park shattered any lingering doubts about the Deesiders' entitlement to be included in the League's heavyweight echelon as Llanelli were made to make do with a hard-earned draw.
"Again our lads rose to the big occasion and you can't take it from them," insisted Nomads boss Neville Powell.
"This was an important game for both clubs and we matched them all the way.
“They are a very good side but we showed absolutely clearly that so are we."
Leaders for a day last week, Nomads weathered a few anxious moments as Llanelli captain Gary Lloyd and the League's top goalscorer Rhys Griffiths combined to test keeper Paul Smith and his co-defenders, but Nomads were always up with the pace.
Adam Dickinson and Marc Limbert brought two fine saves from Llanelli keeper Duncan Roberts early on.
However on 32 minutes Nomads fell a goal down when substitute Danny Jellicoe, coming on for the injured Gary Lovell, launched himself at a 20-yard drive from Jacob Mingorance with a diving header that sent the ball flying like a rocket past astonished keeper Smith.
Nomads had a lucky let-off on the stroke of half time when Nick Harry fluffed a gift of a chance, tapping wide of an open goal for what proved a costly miss.
Manager Powell changed things around during the break, bringing off Christian Sergeant and introducing Phil Molyneux as a second striker to partner Tommy Mutton up front.
It proved a shrewd tactic and made an instant impact as Llanelli were forced to back-pedal.
On 54 minutes the Nomads were level, skipper Limbert hammering a superb shot from 20 yards into the bottom corner followed by a close call for Mutton with a shot he dragged just inches wide when a goal seemed likely.
Hosts Llanelli were reduced to 10 men on 67 minutes when Antonio Corbisiero was red carded for a two-footed tackle on Craig Garside, who was stretchered off and replaced by Stuart Cook.
But Llanelli survived the handicap – just about.
