Third placed in the Cymru Premier this season and with a manager who won the league’s manager of the season award last time out, Connah’s Quay Nomads are sure to provide a stern test for Bont.
It is a fixture which presents Rhys Griffiths’ side with an opportunity to put distance between Bont and third place in the Cymru Premier. However, this will not be a formality against a side who have not lost at home since the opening day of the season.
We look at what Bont fans can expect from Saturday’s opponents in this clash between two Cymru Premier high flyers.
The Man in Charge
John Disney is a legend at Connah’s Quay as a player and is forging a strong reputation as the club’s manager.
A key member of the Nomads squad that won back to back Cymru Premier titles in 19/20 and 20/21, Disney would go on to be made captain of the club in 2023. As captain, he skippered the club to their first ever Welsh Cup triumph.
After over 300 appearances for the club, Disney’s Connah’s Quay story was not over when he hung up his boots. Just a few weeks after announcing his decision to retire, he was appointed as the club’s new manager in May 2025.
In his first season as a manager, Disney led the Nomads to a second placed finish in the Cymru Premier. They finished 22 points behind Champions TNS, but 12 clear of third placed Barry Town United to secure European qualification.
For a strong debut campaign in the dugout, Disney was awarded with the league’s Manager of the Season award.
Last Time Out
In their last fixture, Connah’s Quay recorded a dominant win away against fellow Cymru Premier strong starters Barry Town United.
After 37 minutes, the Nomads were 3-0 up at Jenner Park, and they added an extra goal just after the hour mark. Two goals each for Jordan Hodkin and Harry Franklin made sure the visitors were cruising.
Barry Town United did get one back through James Lester on 68 minutes, but it served as a consolation rather than the beginning of a fightback, as Connah’s Quay managed the game well to see it out for a 4-1 victory.
Our Last Meeting
Bont’s last meeting against Connah’s Quay ended in late heartbreak for us, as we fell victim to a 94th minute winner for the Nomads in March of last season.
The hosts took the lead after just four minutes as Marco Fregapane crossed for Max Woodcock whose header powered past Archie Matthews and into the corner of his net.
Alexander Cvetkovic equalised for Bont in the 80th minute, with his effort from the edge of the box creeping underneath now Manchester United goalkeeper Kit Margetson and into the bottom corner.
Despite a late red card for substitute Jack Kenny, the 10 men managed to find a late winner as Rhys Hughes burst through on the counter attack to win it for the hosts.
Key Players
Callum West: 20-year-old attacking midfielder Callum West is currently enjoying a standout campaign for the Nomads after a strong breakthrough last season. Last season, the former Hebburn Town man scored nine goals and made six assists in his debut Cymru Premier campaign.
This time out, he has already scored six goals and made eight assists in just 11 appearances. He is a strong dribbler and beats defenders 1v1 with ease and regularity, averaging 2.2 successful dribbles per 90 so far this season.
Iwan Murray: Iwan Murray is another creative threat from midfield who has managed three goals and three assists already for the Nomads this season. He has quickly settled after his arrival from Chester FC and become a key part of John Disney’s team.
He plays in a slightly deeper role than Callum West but still uses his strong technical ability to drive through midfield well.
Harry Franklin: Connah’s Quay’s main striker, Harry Franklin has been a regular source of goals for the Nomads over the past two seasons.
He scored 13 goals in his debut Cymru Premier campaign for the club last season, and has already managed five goals this time out. He also comes into this fixture in great form having scored two last time out against Barry Town United. He also brings teammates into the game well, laying on five assists last season, and having already grabbed one this time out.
The Stadium
Connah’s Quay Nomads have played at the Essity Stadium in Flint since the beginning of the 2023/24 season after a dispute with the owners of their previous home, the Deeside Stadium.
Their home ground is 179 miles by car from the Dragonbet Stadium and the journey takes approximately four and a half hours. Limited parking is available near the stadium but further public parking can be found in Flint town centre.
By train, the journey takes around four hours with journeys requiring either one or two changes. The nearest train station is Flint. The station is approximately a 15 minute walk away from the stadium.
The club announced plans for a new permanent 4,000 seater home in November 2025 where they will groundshare with local rugby team Shotton Steels RFC.
The address for their current stadium is:
The Essity Stadium (Cae y Castell)
Marsh Lane
Flint
Flintshire
Wales
CH6 5PJ
See you tomorrow, Bont fans.