Saturday 21st January 2012

Nomads boss Andy Miller had the pleasure of naming a full squad for the game and made two changes to the side that lost to Barrow two weeks ago.

Midfielder Chris Rudkin returned from injury at the expense of Louie Finney-Neckles while recently returning Leon Thraves had to settle for a place on the bench along with new signings Zac Ginvert and Calvin Smith.

Top scorer Darren Taylor who picked up a knee injury two weeks ago was out meaning Wade Ball had the task of partnering new signing Clint Gunn.

The game looked to be in doubt as heavy rain overnight saw the Cropston Road pitch look more like a boating lake. Ground staff worked hard throughout the morning to make the surface playable which meant extra soil and sand were applied to the already heavy centre circle.

More rain and heavy wind battered the ground an hour before kick-off but the referee allowed the game to be played, with the heavy wind remaining though out the game.

Not for the first time this year the Nomads struggled to get going in the first ten minutes. Holbrook enjoying a lot of procession and working their wingers well. Nomads were frustrated with some early offside decisions going against us.

Holbrook took an early lead after 16 minutes. A Holbrook shot from 20 yards out was pushed wide by Stef Joyce. The resulting corner wasn’t dealt with and Holbrook debut-striker Shaun Gummer was left un-challenged in the air beating Joyce at his near post.

The goal seemed to wake the Nomads and they went in search for an equaliser. Shane Gibbs came close when his 25 yard effort went just over after a perfectly timed pass from Chris Rudkin.

Just a minute later and Nomads went close again. This time defender Craig Lynch rose highest from a corner to head just wide of the Holbrook goal.

The best move of the game came on the half hour mark. Steve Armson who switched wings with Chris Rudkin played some wonderful one touch passes with Wade Ball which opened up the Holbrook defence. Wade’s final ball through to Clint Gunn was just too heavy for him. If he was able to control the ball, then he would have had a clear 1-on-1 with the Holbrook keeper.

Nomads continued to work the Holbrook keeper before the half. Steve Armson’s half volley from 30-yards out was tipped over by the keeper on 40 minutes. Just 2 minutes later and Shane Gibbs attempted to level with a thunderous 25 yard effort that went just over the bar after a short corner was played into him by Chris Rudkin.

Half Time – Anstey Nomads 0 – 1 Holbrook Sports

Nomads started the second half strong and were soon level. Steve Armson who returned to the left wing made a superb run and delivered the perfect cross for the rushing Wade Ball, who just made enough contact to send the ball past the Holbrook keeper into the top corner.

Less than ten minutes later and Holbrook found themselves ahead once again with a freak goal. Holbrook defender Danny Cox received the ball after a throw in on the left wing. He was able to set himself up un-challenged for a cross come shot that beat Stef Joyce from a good 30 yards.

Just a minute after the goal Nomads went forward in search of an equaliser and came close. Simon Alexander’s through ball to Wade Ball whose shot went just wide.

Nomads boss Andy Miller began making changes with Louie Finney-Neckles replacing Chris Rudkin on the right wing and Leon Thraves replacing Simon Alexander who picked up a knock.

Nomads best effort for an equaliser came with just ten minutes to go. Clint Gunn beat the Holbrook defence and fired a low shot across the Holbrook keeper. His shot went wide of the Holbrook post and was almost turned in by Wade Ball whose stretched leg failed to make contact.

Nomads defender Craig Lynch was replaced late on for Jimmy Latham after complaining of a tight hamstring.

Starting XI: Joyce, Preston, Edmonds (C), J.Armson, Lynch, S.Armson, Gibbs, Alexander, Rudkin, Gunn, Ball
Subs: Finney-Neckles, Smith, Ginvert, Latham, Thraves
Attendance: 93