12th September 2009
Norton
Nomads got their season off to the best possible start with a well earned victory away to last year's runners up Corby Kingfisher.
With Kettering-based billionaire manager Nathan Eady having made several large dips into the transfer market during the summer lay off, the available squad had quite a different look from that which had finished the previous season's campaign at the same venue.
As is the custom at this time of the year, a number of players were unavailable for selection for a variety of reasons. Judd, Joy and new signings Ferguson and Jackson were all playing cricket, Loake was out with a fractured wrist, Robbo's tan wasn't quite ready for it's first unveiling and new addition Clarke was serving the first week of his five match ban. However, Eady was able to hand league debuts to new signings Ross Thurlow, Paul Norton and Chris Piazza, whilst two more acquisitions, Newcombe and Cross were added to the bench.
Starting Line Up - Panter, Ingham, Evans, Smith, Massie, Piazza, Bright, Symington, R Thurlow, C Thurlow, Norton. Subs - Newcombe, Charsley, Cross.
With the September sun beating down and Nomads looking super smart in their brand new (but extremely roomy) kit, the game got underway. The early exchanges were fairly even as both teams sized each other up. With the newly-formed partnership of Briggy and Samps dominating the central midfield area, Nomads began to exert some pressure and created a couple of half chances for Norton and C Thurlow.
At the other end of the pitch, the away side's defence was coping well with any threats posed by Kingfisher and the only scares to Panter's goal came from a couple of free headers from set pieces which thankfully fell striaght into the bald shot stoppers hands. The remainder of the half continued in the same vain, with Nomads having most of the possession and territorial advantage and Kingfisher looking to counter on the break.
With the half time war cries from Eady and second-in-command Newcombe still ringing in their ears, Nomads began the second period where they had left off.
It was always going to be the case that the first goal would probably win the game and it was Nomads who finally broke the deadlock. A long punt into the box was not cleared by the Kingfisher defence and as the ball dropped, Norton cleverly lifted it over his opponent and then calmly slotted the ball into the corner of the net from a couple of yards out. The resultant celebrations saw Eady re-enact the Jose Mourinho run down the touchline when Porto scored against Man Utd, albeit that he was only able to make it a couple of yards before becoming a bent over double, wheezing mess.
Kingfisher's frustrations at not being allowed any time and space on the ball due to Nomads impressive work rate started to boil over and it was the Thurlow brothers who appeared to be getting the brunt of the abuse. As players began to wilt in the hot conditions, Charsley and Cross entered the fray to add some much needed fresh legs, as Kingfisher piled forward in a desperate search for an equaliser.
However, Panter's handling was safe and secure and with the back four remaining strong, the chances to score were kept to a minimum. In fact it was Nomads who had the best opportunity in the final few minutes, when Charsley was put through on goal but then hacked his shot over the bar.
The final whistle was greeted with huge cheers from the travelling band of supporters on the touchline as Nomads picked up what could be a very important win against opponents who will definitely be in the title race this season.
Next week's game is away to Welford Victoria who have also started the season in good form and Nomads will need to ensure that they play with the same commitment to make sure that they pick up another win.
Individual Ratings (out of 10):
Panter (7) - Looked beautiful in his new all-green kit and handling was impressive throughout.
Ingham (7) - Steady performance, but lack of fitness limited the number of times he got forward.
Evans (7) - Lasted more than his usual five minutes and kept the ball on the pitch for the majority of the game for a change.
Smith (8) - Never looked in trouble, despite frying in the heat. Felt at home in the changing rooms as the urinals smelled like his bedroom.
Massie (8) - The newly appointed skipper gave a real captain's performance. Blotted his copybook though with worst shot of the game which went out for a throw.
Piazza (9) - Great debut from Rob Castka lookalike Samps. Ran himself into the ground and formed a great defensive barrier with Briggy.
Bright (9) - Another good shift from Ray Reardon. Won the midfield battle with Samps and was first to everything.
R Thurlow (7) - Caused problems down both flanks. Nearly had his head knocked off by blowing a kiss to one of the Kingfisher defenders at the final whistle.
Symington (7) - Played out of position but defended well when asked. Looked one of the most ridiculous in the new kit.
Norton (8) - Showed some great touches throughout and held the ball up well. Got the vital goal and could have had a couple more.
C Thurlow (7) - Worked hard as usual but the pint sized poacher was not able to get many chances this week.
Charsley (7) - Guilty of the worst miss of the match but Spender caused problems when he came on.
Cross (7) - Provided great energy on the right and was quick to get stuck in with the tackles.
