Megan Andrews: Promotion would be reward for years of Connah’s Quay Nomads hard work

Promotion to any top-flight comes with challenges, but Connah’s Quay Nomads believe they would not just cope in the Genero Adran Premier, they would also thrive. 

The Nomads stormed to the Genero Adran North title after earning 14 wins from 14 matches, and now victory against Pontypridd United on Sunday would see them reach the top-flight for the first time in their history. 

Megan Andrews, one of the team’s longest-serving players, believes she and the rest of the squad are ready to test themselves in the top tier. 

“I think we are more than capable of coping with the pressure of playing in the Genero Adran Premier,” Andrews said. 

“We would take each week and each game as it comes, and we are aware of the challenges, but I think in every hurdle we have overcome this season and in the past, we have given 110% and that will continue wherever we are next season. 

“Playing in the Adran Premier would mean everything to us. It would be a major reward for everything we have worked for over the past four years. Hopefully everything we give on Sunday pays off. It is a very exciting time for us all at the Nomads.” 

The Nomads may not be facing Genero Adran Premier opposition each week just yet, but cup competitions have already allowed the club to showcase their quality against some of the leagues’ elite.

Perhaps the Nomads’ most memorable result against a top-flight team came in the 2022/23 season when Jordan Parry’s side triumphed 3-2 away at Barry Town United in the Genero Adran Trophy Round of 16. 

The Nomads faced treble-winning Cardiff City in the same stage of the competition this season, and despite losing 2-1, ultimately pushed the Bluebirds to the limit, which has fuelled their confidence and proved they can compete at the top level. 

“We approach every game of football with the exact same mindset, but knowing we can compete with these talented teams is promising,” said Andrews. “It is important we do not go missing in these types of games.

“We realise how close we are as a unit throughout every match, and the fact we push until the end no matter what just shows we can compete. We have gained a lot of experience from those past encounters, but nothing has come as a shock to us as we know what to expect.” 

Last summer’s transition into a youthful team will undoubtedly go down as one of the club’s most successful periods.

A risk which had a memorable reward – that being the Genero Adran North title, the Nomads recruited excellently by snapping up Tia Lockley, Poppy Kendrick-Jones, Natasha Spearing, Ellie Suckley and Nicole Samson, who all have prior Genero Adran Premier experience. 

In addition, talented youngster Anna Marsh and striking sensation Ella Jones were also welcomed to Deeside, while the return of Mel Barlow also proved to be impactful. 

Andrews, who has seen the incredible growth of the setup for over two years, admits it has been a pleasure to build a strong bond with new faces. 

“Commitment has been our most important factor, and great things have come for us when we match that with high intensity each week in training. 

“Players have had the correct attitude and have applied themselves in the right way. I have always found it easy to bond with people, even if it is those who have been here for a while like me, or those who arrived in the summer. 

“The way we have helped each other on and off the pitch this season has allowed us to play our best football.”

When it comes to building bonds within the community, the Nomads instantly spring to mind. Andrews and her teammates are already role models to many female footballers in the club’s Player Development Centre and across North Wales, so promotion would hopefully inspire the younger generation even more. 

“Promotion would be history-making, and it would also give our community more recognition. I can only imagine how many young girls and families it would attract. 

“Those in our Player Development Centre want to be a part of our journey and it is so great to see them believing they can one day be apart of this setup. I am very proud of myself and the team for knowing that we are role models for the future of this club. It is a special place to be.”