Nomads draw the second half with Alford

Far away Alford trekked down to Cambridge on Saturday for a chilly 12.30pm start. Nomads had already cancelled their Thirds game, due to lack of numbers, but even then, it was a struggle to field 11 players. Thanks to Mike Longston for stepping into the breach at midnight on Friday night and putting in a very credible performance.

These match reports should mention our thanks to our umpires more: two Nomads stalwarts and quality players were puffing whistles for us - both of whom are, unfortunately, recovering from injury. Many thanks for your services. Great to see Rich and he was champing at the bit to get back running around the pitch.

Alford came armed with their two excellent players - one playing centre half and the other playing centre forward. Fortunately, from the first game, we were wise to their flicks over the top, which were much less troublesome.

At half time, Alford were 2-0 up. The second half saw a much more interesting contest. Ex-first team, Rory Catchpole bagged a well-earned goal, having put a great performance in the midfield.

Then, Alford's centre forward pounced on a loose ball just outside Nomads' 23m line, and beat our last defender. Facing John coming out off his line, he rounded him, but pushed the ball far too far away from him. But no matter, he collected the ball, wandering off into the corner, then he wobbled back to the top of the D and then clattered the ball reverse stick against the back boards.

Nomads did win a couple of short corners and their second attempt saw the ball being cleared off the line with a foot. The resulting flick wasn't to be. Nomads finished 3-1 down, but lots of great hockey was played.