Nomads M2 share the opening day spoils with St Ives

A combined pre-season tally of 1 goal scored, and 12 conceded, across 2 friendly fixtures, did not auger particularly well for Nomads M2s, as they embarked on their first league match of the season, away at St Ives.
However, statistics alone do not tell the whole story. Yes – we were disjointed and poor against Royston 1s in the first pre-season game, but we were actually competitive for much of the Bishop’s Stortford match, despite the imbalanced final-score.
Anyway – the league is different. It was fast, frenetic even, from the very start. Both Nomads and St Ives pressing high and creating early chances. Paul found himself with the ball in front of goal for his first touch of the game I think, but was unable to beat the keeper. St Ives had some youth and speed up front, and at the back Nomads had neither of those qualities, relying on experience and guile.

When Nomads turned over possession inside the St Ives half, the hosts broke fast to some high forwards, creating an overload, and a well-executed goal.
Nomads themselves were creating chances when they moved the ball well, and after several unconverted opportunities, Sam appeared at the far stick, to scramble the ball home from just outside the post, for his first 2nd team goal. 1-all at the break.

By this time Ben had succumbed rather bizarrely due to severe malnutrition, or something similar. Must have a word with his Mum. And Will was running on one-hip. No respite for the old men then, as we only came with one sub, and the bench always seemed to be occupied by one of the youth, with various poorly-understood ailments.

Nomads ensured they had to come from behind for a second time, after again coughing up position in the middle of the park to give St Ives the kind of fast break they thrived on. This time the brave efforts of Tim, Matty and John managed to spoil the attack, but dubiously, perhaps? After much open and honest discussion, a penalty flick was awarded, which looked about right from where I was standing. It was a successful one, for St Ives.
Nomads kept battling hard and creating chances. Felix, now playing as a left winger, received a pass from the attacking baseline, drilled in a hard cross which fell to Paul to calmly lift over the keeper into the awaiting net.
Frenetic action continued to the end, and John was needed on more than 1 occasion to heroically demonstrate his prowess. A draw was probably about right, both teams could have won it, but it was competitive and entertaining throughout, and nobody seemed too disappointed with the point.

Honourable mentions to Matty, Tim, and young Sam, but John bagged the MoM for thwarting many St Ives attacks.
DoD went to Ben for his “lying-down-for-a-quick nap” episode (self-inflicted we understand…), with honourable mentions to Will, for not getting a card, and Felix, for very nearly talking his way into one.