Haverfordwest County's destiny is still in their own hands as they prepare to go into their final league match of the season at home to Cardiff Metroplitan University needing a win this weekend.
Despite a 3-0 defeat away at Connah's Quay on Easter Monday, one final victory over the Archers in Saturday's decider could still earn the Bluebirds top spot in the Cymru Premier Play-Off Conference - and a chance to qualify for the Scottish Challlenge Cup.
Ahead of their crucial showdown, rivals Cardiff Met are one point clear after their 5-0 win over bottom club Cefn Druids on Monday, but Nicky Hayen's side could overhaul them if they can take the three points.
A promising start from the Bluebirds at the Deeside had seen Ricky Watts' hooked shot deflected behind, and Henry Jones' clever ball over the top played in Ben Fawcett, whose right-footed shot flew just wide of goal.
At the other end Byron Harrison flicked the ball into the area and Lee Idzi saved, before Danny Holmes’ long throw-in found Byron Harrison, who nodded on, but the ball just eluded teammate Aeron Edwards.
It was Callum Morris who opened the scoring for Nomads, however, on the half hour mark when he kept his cool to convert from the penalty spot, following a handball in the box.
Callum Morris yn rhwydo o'r smotyn i roi Cei Connah ar y blaen
— Sgorio ⚽️ (@sgorio) April 18, 2022
30' @the_nomads 1-0 Hwlffordd pic.twitter.com/PfbL4hyo8J
Goalscorer Morris then sent a wicked ball towards the back post, where Aeron Edwards’ looping header went over the bar, and Declan Poole raced down the right and found the unmarked Paulo Mendes, whose header went wide.
Just before the interval, however, Nomads' Byron Harrison nodded the ball back across goal, leaving Morris with an easy finish to make it 2-0 and equal Mike Wilde’s tally of 81 league goals for the club.
Callum Morris yn rhwydo ei ail wrth i Gei Connah arwain ar yr egwyl Egwyl | @the_nomads 2-0 Hwlffordd pic.twitter.com/T20Pj1WgVk
— Sgorio ⚽️ (@sgorio) April 18, 2022
After the break, Jack Wilson broke free for the visitors and looked to curl a cross into the danger zone, but Danny Holmes did remarkably well to defend the ball - and then Haverfordwest hopes ended on 57 minutes when a third goal ensured home points were in the bag.
Declan Poole cut in from the right and sent a left-footed curler into the top corner of the net, leaving keeper Idzi with no chance of saving - and at 3-0 there was no way back.
🌠🤩
— Sgorio ⚽️ (@sgorio) April 18, 2022
Declan Poole
57' @the_nomads 3-0 Hwlffordd pic.twitter.com/fFEyBBZ9tc
Elliot Scotcher’s delivery was cleared comfortably by Nomads, but for the hosts, Jamie Mullan crossed towards Craig Curran, who connected with his header, only to be denied by a decent save from Idzi.
In injury time, Paulo Mendes found Jamie Insall inside the area, but his effort was saved again by Idzi as Nomads finished strongly - ensuring that they went the whole of phase two without conceding a single goal at the Deeside.
And so it all comes down to the final game at the Ogi Bridge Meadow this weekend, where the Bluebirds will be hoping that large and enthusiastic home support will help them get over the line - and they are promising free entry for all.
Kick-off on Saturday is 12:45pm.
Y Barri v Aberystwyth - yn fyw am 5.00
— Sgorio ⚽️ (@sgorio) April 18, 2022
Aberystwyth angen pwynt i sicrhau eu lle yn y gynghrair y tymor nesaf.
Os yw’r Barri yn colli – bydd y clwb yn gorffen yn y ddau isaf. pic.twitter.com/cp2RLRTqf4
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here