Preview: Connah's Quay Nomads Welsh Cup Semi Final

11th March 2025

The Reds are set to clash with reigning JD Welsh Cup champions Connah’s Quay Nomads at Park Avenue this Saturday in the semi-finals of this year’s competition.

For the first time since our triumphant 2010/11 Welsh Cup campaign, the Reds have reached the final four of this prestigious tournament. That historic run also saw us play our semi-final at Park Avenue, where we secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over The New Saints.

Meanwhile, the Nomads enter the tie as defending champions, having defeated TNS 2-1 in last year’s final at Rodney Parade. Goals from Harry Franklin and Josh Williams sealed a massive win as the Nomads won their second Welsh Cup.

Reds Road To The Final Four

It’s been quite the run for the Reds to the final four in this season's JD Welsh Cup. An away win against Clwb Cymric then saw us face and defeat Pill AFC at Stebonheath Park in the opening rounds of the competition. 

A tough test would await as we were drawn away to Haverfordwest County in the last 16. However, a memorable evening would transpire as the Reds ran out 0-2 winners against the Cymru Premier outfit. 

Llanelli then travelled to North Wales as we took on Denbigh Town of the JD Cymru North. A game that went right to the wire saw the Reds book our place in the semi final with a 94th minute winner thanks to Alex Giardelli’s fantastic strike in front of an incredible Reds away support. 

The Reds are yet to concede a goal in this season's cup campaign whilst scoring 10 goals throughout the previous rounds. 

Our Opponents - Connah’s Quay Nomads

A brief history and achievements

The club was founded in 1946 as Connah's Quay Juniors and adopted the Connah's Quay Nomads F.C. name in 1951. The Nomads first won the Welsh cup back in the 2017/18 season before their most recent success in the previous campaign. 

Connah’s Quay have also tasted JD Cymru Premier success on two occasions winning back to back titles in 2019/20 and 2020/21. The Nomads have also won the Welsh League cup on 3 occasions; 1995/96, 2019/20 and 2020/21.  

Their Season So Far…

The Nomads finished in 8th place during phase one of the 24/25 JD Cymru Premier campaign which now sees them placed in the play off conference in phase two of the season. 

Their Welsh Cup campaign started with a 5-0 win against Guilsfield FC before defeating fellow Cymru South Trefelin 1-2 away from home. The Nomads were victorious against Mold Alexandra before defeating another Cymru South side in Caerau Ely in the previous round. 

The reigning champions have only conceded once in the competition so far and have scored nine goals on their way to the semi final. 

Previous Meeting - Welsh Cup 22/23

The Reds last met Connah’s Quay back in the Welsh cup in January 2023. In what was a competitive game at Stebonheath Park, the Reds were unlucky not to advance in the competition that season. 

The Nomads won 0-2 on the day with goals from Ben Nash and Joe Malkin. 

Our side on the day featured six players that are still at Llanelli ahead of the meeting with the Nomads on Saturday, they are; Scott Coughlan, James Parry, Sean Cronin, Jamie Baker, Louis Caramella-Gerrard, and Joe Hopkins. 

Similarly, our opponents also have six names that featured two years ago who are still part of the Nomads set up ahead of the weekend. They are; John Disney, Ben Nash, Jack Kenny, Jon Rushton, Daniel Roberts and Aron Williams. 

An interesting fact…

Both James Parry and Scott Tancock made their first appearance for the Reds against Connah’s Quay during a Welsh Premier League game in August 2018.

Opposition Players To Watch

George Ratcliffe

Formerly of Cardiff City, the 24 year old is a very solid shot stopper and has kept 14 clean sheets in all competitions so far this season. 

A Welsh international at U17, U19 and U21 level, Ratcliffe has also featured for Barry Town United and Pontypridd United where he has built up a strong reputation as a top keeper in the top flight. 

Rhys Hughes

The 23 year old has been in some incredible form this season so far. Leading the top flight as the top goalscorer with 13 goals across the JD Cymru Premier campaign, so far. 

Formerly of Everton’s academy all the way up to U23 level, Hughes has also spent time at Chester and Tranmere Rovers with 19 caps for Wales at U17-U21 level. 

Key Information

Our semi final tie with the Nomads kicks off at 12:30pm on Saturday 15th March and will be broadcast live on S4C. 

Tickets will be available on the gate at Park Avenue, priced at £5 for Adults and £2 for Concessions. 

The club have organised a bus for the trip to Aberystwyth with all the details and payment link available here.