19th September 2009
C Thurlow, Smith
A below par performance from Nomads saw them leave it late, before managing to continue their unbeaten start to the season with a hard fought draw away to a much improved Welford side.
Manager Nathan Eady was forced into making three changes from the starting eleven that had produced such a great display in last week's victory against Corby Kingfisher. With Ingham, Piazza and Symington all away on holiday and Joy, Judd and Jackson still unavailable due to cricketing commitments, starts were handed out to Darren Cross at right full back, Scott Robinson on the left side of midfield and Shaun Morris in the centre of the park.
Starting Line Up - Panter, Cross, Evans, Smith, Massie, Morris, Bright, Robinson, R Thurlow, C Thurlow, Norton. Subs - Newcombe, Charsley.
Nomads began the game brimming with confidence, both from the fact that they had played so well the week before and that they had beaten Welford in both games last season. However with the home side having won their opening two matches, it soon became clear that it was going to be another tough test for the Kettering team. The game was extremely open as both teams looked to catch the other on the break, with Ross Thurlow in particular getting some early joy down the right flank.
As the half wore on, Welford began to get the upper hand as Nomads struggled to pick up any of the second ball, however they were unable to mount any real threat to Panter's goal. Nomads then had the first clear cut chance to score when the 'ginger ninja' Smith found himself with a free header in the box from a Robinson free kick, only to put it agonisingly wide. This seemed to spark Welford into life and within five minutes they had scored twice. The first goal came when a cross from the right was not cleared by the away defence and as the ball squirmed out of Panter's grasp under the challenge of a Welford player, it left a simple tap in for the home striker. Welford then doubled their lead as a long ball down the left caught the Nomads defence out of position. The resulting cross should have been dealt with by Evans but it went under his foot to leave the Welford forward with the simple task of sliding the ball past the helpless Panter.
Just as it seemed that the Nomads players would have to don their protective head gear in readiness for one of Eady's world famous china cup throwing half time blasts, they snatched a lifeline in the game when Craig Thurlow poked the ball in at the near post at the second attempt.
With the momentum of the game having swung towards Nomads, they began the second half with a lot more urgency about their play. The midfield were now getting on the ball and trying to get their passing game going, however despite having the lion's share of possession, the final ball remained the problem and very few attempts were made on the Welford goal. As the search for the elusive equaliser became more and more frustrating, gaps began to appear in the Nomads defence and it was Welford who looked the likelier to increase their advantage with Panter having to make a fine double save before Morris cleared the ball off the line.
As the match entered the final ten minutes, both sides had penalty claims turned down and emotions began to spill over, with Nomads skipper Massie eventually booked for consistent bleating to the referee.
Nomads continued to press and forced a series of corners and long throws which continued to be well dealt with by the home side's defence. However just when it looked like a goal would never come, Smith picked up a half clearance on the left of the penalty area, dropped his right shoulder even lower than it's usual position and then curled a great right foot shot into the far corner to break Welford's hearts.
Nomads than had to survive a last gasp push by Welford to snatch back the advantage, leaving manager Eady's bum hole looking like the top of a well used sauce bottle, but they were extremely relieved to have come away with a point when the final whistle was sounded.
Next week's game sees Nomads begin their Junior Cup campaign at home to Kettering Orchard Park Utd, with local tycoon Eady hoping to have a virtually full strength squad at his disposal.
Individual Ratings (out of 10):
Panter (6) - Should have done better with the first goal but redeemed himself with a couple of good saves late on.
Cross (6) - Tried to get forward whenever possible but had his hands full for most of the match.
Evans (5) - Struggled to find any sort of form this week. At fault for the second goal and found passing to a team mate harder than getting head off a nun!
Smith (7) - Gave another solid display and popped up with the crucial equaliser. Needs to improve on goal celebrations after running around like David Pleat when Luton stayed up.
Massie (6) - Still desperately looking to add at least one new trick to his repertoire. Booked for needless high pitched squeals to the ref.
Morris (6) - Found it hard early on but much better in the second period.
Bright (6) - Worked hard as usual but was never coming back from wearing an all great sweatsuit pre-match. Ended the game with both a knee and an elbow looking as raw as a clubbed seal.
R Thurlow (6) - Lacking in the defensive department but tried to influence the game with several mazy runs which unfortunately always ended in blind alleys.
Robinson (6) - Knocked some great balls from set plays. Obviously found the new kit to his liking as his nipples stood out like a blind cobblers thumbs!
Norton (6) - Lacked the service from the previous week and found chances extremely limited.
C Thurlow (6) - Another who was frustrated by the number of opportunities that fell to him but took his chance well with the one that did.
Charsley (6) - Surprisingly did not clash heads with anyone this week. Worst goal keeper warmer upper ever!!
