Kettering Nomads FC

19th September 2009

                                                       Walton 

Nomad's reserve side belatedly got their season underway against one of the only teams they have failed to pick up any points from on the road over the past 6 seasons.

With much talk of new players within the club, it was slightly surprising that the only new face was 16 year old Ben Hughes. Chris Walton was also included in what was a familiar looking squad, however manager Rick Conway was left reeling with Craig Tindle's retirement due to his ongoing battle with anorexia, whilst Tom Perkins has moved on to pastures new.....shelf stacking at Budgens.

After last season's creditable third place, Rick felt that avoiding defeat would go a long way in shaping the season.

Starting line up - Heads, Martin, Lee, Conway, Stokes, MacNiven, Hector, Glazebrook, Perkins, Hobson, Walton. Subs - Castka, Hughes.

With the sun beating down, Nomads kicked off playing down the Harploe slope, and within three minutes got the season off to the perfect start. As a through ball was mis-judged by the home team's centre back, Walton was through one on one with the keeper and the ball hit the net before he could even react. A stunned Harpole regrouped immediately and got into their stride, playing some neat one and two touch football. However for all their endeavour, they simply could not break down a solid Nomads back line.

With half time beckoning, Nomads should have been 2-0 up when a superbly weighted through ball from Hector put Perkins clean through. Unselfishly he squared for Walton to surely score, but unbelievably the home keeper spread himself and managed to get his knee on the ball to block what seemed a certain goal. 

The second half started with Harpole on the ascendancy, as Nomads seemed to visibly wilt under the now hot sun. The scores really should have been level, when a finely worked move left the home team's striker 8 yards out with the goal gaping, but he somehow managed to screw the ball wide. On the 60 minute mark Rick decided to inject fresh legs, replacing Hector with Castka, whilst five minutes later MacNiven was withdrawn for debutant Hughes.

The Harpole crowd sensed an equaliser as Nomads began defending deeper and deeper, and Heads was forced into a one handed reaction save to deny a leveller.

Just when it looked like Harpole were running out of ideas, a goal came from a free kick as sloppy defending left two men unmarked to combine and tap in a deserved leveller. With 15 minutes remaining, it looked like there would only be one winner, however after scoring, Harpole seemed content with a draw as Nomads pressed without creating any further chances.

As the final whistle blew, an exhausted Nomads outfit will be pleased with a hard fought point, but must also reflect on what could have been had they managed to get 2-0 in front.

Heads (6) - Surprisingly quiet afternoon. Decent save when called upon.

Martin (7) - Excellent defensive performance. Rarely beaten but needs to ask missus whether he is allowed to play each week.

Lee (7) - One half of central defensive "rocks", carried on last years consistency.

Conway (7) - One game no injuries, an incredible achievement for "glass bones".

Stokes (7) - Captain Marvel led by example.....again.

MacNiven (8) - Industrious performance from Rab C, still the unfittest fitness instructor known to man.

Hector (7) - Great touches and passes in the first half, faded in the second. Still fitter than MacNiven.

Glazebrook (7) - Broke up the Harpole play well, another playing left chasing second half shadows. Man City scum.

Perkins (8) - Good performance considering he played three positions, should have scored!!!

Hobson (6) - Now head of Hi-Vis jackets in Wickes DIY, obviously needs to get head on football again.

Walton (9) - Guest for the day, constant threat, good goal and could have had three from Rodney Trotter-a-like.

Castka (7) - Good impact when introduced, very secretive about love life.....do Nomads have their very own Justin Fashanu!!!

Hughes (8) - Debut boy, looks an excellent prospect, only a matter of time before he is handed a start. Put some of the older lads to shame by having a shower!!!!