Glad Tidings of Great Joy

Report from Rick...

It’s December, it’s a 3.30 push back, and it’s in Spalding. What could possibly be better? Unusually the Gods blessed us with a relatively warm, sunny day to traverse the Fens in search of our first away points of the season. The Nomads’ line up looked strong and confidence was high as we made our way north on this bright December Saturday. At least most of us were making our way north. Mutu, however, was heading west, then east, on the confusion that is the A14. Flummoxed and confused he drove for 45 minutes, diligently following diversion signs, only to find himself back in Cambridge, further away from Spalding than when he started. The benefits of attending the Carisbrooke Road meet were never more evident as we all discussed the road closures, checked with our Google enabled technology, and opted for the most efficient route to Spalding, arriving there bang on schedule.

Despite Wednesday’s squad list having already shrunk with the half-expected non-arrival of George, and Mutu’s challenge with the A14 – we still managed to get 12 men ready and willing come start time. Even Gianluca, let loose on the roads of East Anglia on his own for just about the first time, managed to get there on schedule.

As the winter sun disappeared below the flat horizon, we felt happy that the pitch in Surfleet had a familiar look and feel to it. It was decidedly gloomy at one end! Much like our beloved(?) Coldhams on a Tuesday night, not all the floodlights seem to work at any one time. We were happy with this. We have clearly trained just for this scenario. Even if it does mean Lloydy can’t see the goal clearly.

For the first 10 minutes Spalding looked sharp and quite dangerous – causing us problems especially from their right wing. A couple of crosses pinged across the face of our goal lacked a final touch, and John in goal was busy. From a short corner strike Barry, on the right post, saved with a mixture of stick and shin-pad and a P-flick was awarded. The resultant flick was brilliantly batted out by John, diving to his right. A turning point? Indeed it was.

Nomads sprung into life, suddenly finding passes and threatening the Spalding goal regularly. Young guns Luca and Dom ran hard and pressed high, whilst not-so-young guns Paul, Mel and Lloydy provided guile and craft. Lloydy found himself one-on-one with the keeper and we all turned back to the half-way line in expectation. But he hit the post with a precise slip past the keeper and the game stayed goal-less.
The required incision came late in the half from Dom, once again at the top of the D. Picking up a ball from Arthur, he steadied himself and struck beautifully into the backboard to give Nomads a deserved lead. Nomads were now in control.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Nomads continuing on the front foot, playing most of the game in the Spalding half. The midfield was dominating and it seemed only a matter of time. When Lloydy put Paul in for a neat finish we felt good about life. But as the half wore on, with further chances squandered, the realisation dawned that 2-0 away has been a dangerous score for us (losing twice in recent weeks from similar positions). Despite our general dominance, the occasional break from Spalding always felt threatening, and as the half wore on they pressed harder. One such spell of pressure, late in the game, ended with a cross-shot that hit something of Mutu as it headed towards the far post. Another flick, this time dispatched, and the game was on. Were Nomads to throw it away again? The nerves were starting to jangle..
With only 5 minutes to go, Spading chose the high-risk strategy of removing their keeper in an attempt to chase the draw. Let’s just say it didn’t work out too well for them. We kept pressing them in midfield and high, and squandered one short-corner before Luca charged into the D again, drawing the foul. This time we executed perfectly, slipping left to Lloydy, who doesn’t look such keeper-less gift horses in the mouth and slotted home.

There was still time for another breakaway as Rick won the ball in midfield and shipped it fast to Lloydy high and left. He played Rick back in, just outside the D and he spotted Paul on the base line, wisely choosing that option rather than shooting himself. Paul slotted from a tight angle, and that beautifully executed goal tied up proceedings.

Another excellent team performance, and special mention to Ben who debuted at right half and had a very promising game there. MoM to Dom (again!) for his considerable work in midfield, regularly taking on his giant opponent physically and skill-wise, and setting forth many a break. John was impeccable and changed the course of the game, the defence were solid after the opening few minutes, the midfield on top and hard-working, and the forwards providing outlets for us all game.

DoD? Has to be Mutu for his geospatially challenged early afternoon, and resulting tardy arrival. Though he made up for it later by playing well, as well as setting up, and contributing to, a great club evening. Especially after all 3 mens teams had resounding victories. It will go down in the annals!

Cheers