Bank Holiday Brilliance as Nomads beat Birstall!

Nomads beat Rivals Birstall 1-0 - By Reece Preston-Hayes.

Bank holiday Monday saw the Nomads travel to local rivals Birstall United who fly high in the league sat at second and with a very slim but possible chance to take the top spot, assuming they win their last 3 games (including this one,) and West Bridgford pick up no points and suffer as much GF as they can!

Nomads sat further down in the table hoving above the relegation zone but confidently and unofficial safe, Nomads were unlucky to not win on the Saturday against Aylestone Park, a game that featured 9 goals in total, but with Nomads napping defensively during corners which resulted in 3 goals just from those set plays it was no surprise that the hosts would snatch the win, but at 5-4 it was close and we still had plenty to take out the game, if anything we know now that idleness during set places cannot continue any more.

With this north Leicester game getting on the way it would be interesting to see how this panned out, there was certainly a few people that thought the Noisy Nomads would have little to shout and sing about, but the thing about Nomads is they can play well against top sides and seem to slack against the struglling ones. A typical bank holiday squad wise as Nomads were without many players, credit to those who were able to shake free of commitments and play, but we understand the reasons why some others couldn’t be there.

Nick Brett still in charge took to the field too, playing as the strong centre back role that some have suggested we are missing in our usual roster of players. Both teams wasted no time trying to bank that first goal, Nomads shot too high to trouble the keeper, and eyes were covered as Birstall earned an early corner. Nomads however had learned their lesson and got the ball first time clearing the danger!

The hosts looked strong even with a depleted side, a good string of passes combined with a well time run put them in a wide position with a body in the box ready for the ball, it was well delivered by former Nomads Matt Litchfield also known as ‘Mini’, because well, he’s mini… as the ball came over it seemed dangerous but a poor header from the striker diverted any fears.

Nomads tried some wing play themselves but the keeper saves the resulting header. Nomads pushed on the hosts daring the defense to get lured in and when they did we made good movement on and off the ball, playing it into space as Lewis (#11) had a shot at goal but it is defelcted by a desperate defender. Lewis tried again with Nomads next play a ball from out wide came in at an odd angle and Lewis would try to put the right redirection onto the ball but the keeper got a touch to it meaning Nomads would settle for a corner.

The corner was the last of Nomads spell of chances, immediately cleared as Birstall charge on the counter but Sam Marshall was there to make a clean tackle, but Nomads struggled keeping possession and the hosts would come back at the defense forcing a foul. The free kick was well struck by Birstall but it was maybe a little too well struck just scraping over the bar.

Halftime looming and Birstall pushed to get a vital goal at the perfect time but a ball over the top was halted in it’s journey by Ollie Preston, who would relabel, repackage, ,and return to sender as Nomads countered, but a solid save at the end of the play meant this half ends Nil-Nil but certainly not a timid affair so far.

Second half commences after what must of been a strange half time talk from Nomads, did Bretty praise himself for holding the defense together? Did the players understand any of his instruction through all the huffing and puffing he must of been doing? Or did the Physio take charge of the team talk… well probably not ay Russ?

It was rather even for the first 15 minutes, no team having a dominant spell just yet, Kasper made a superb save as Birstall made it through, and on the other side Birstall’s keeper  was just as agile (despite his size suggesting otherwise, which always seems to be the case with larger keepers, I guess the bigger they are, that harder they ... are to get the ball past!) Nomads with strong passing today found plenty of space with Daryl Russell who would opt to loft the ball into the box early, but Lewis couldn’t get the right head on it (guess he left his other one at home,) Nomads were certainly worrying the Birstall supporters. Cosmos in the middle who previously played with our youth sides was proving he had the flair and playmaking ability to have the midfield under his command. He would run through into the box and a well struck shot just skimmed the wrong side of the post meaning it remains, quite unbelievably 0-0.

Mark Preston, no relation to Ollie, aka Nolly, (yeah, not ollie,) had a go at finishing one of Daryl’s crosses but he was denied only by the keeper. Cosmos would have another go and this one was on target but a fantastic save from Birstall big man stopped Nomads grasping a lead.

Birstall still had their chances too but it was clear they were running out of steam, Nomads moved the ball quickly on the counter, playing a through ball ot Lewis who would have a chance 1on1 with the keeper and would etch his name into scoresheet with a brilliant curled shot into the right side of the goal to put Nomads in front, and sets the stands alight (Not literally, we’re called the Noisy Nomads not the Anstey Arsonists.)

Nomads now just had to hold on for a final 5 minutes plus any injury time (about 2 minutes because of Bretty needing a quick breather.) Birstall had to dig deep to find the energy to compete, but used their pride to fuel their final chances, Kasper took no chances in punching out a dangerous cross, and Nomads countered with two chances at goal but both were saved by the keeper to prevent a 2-0 lead for our visiting Nomads.

Nomads stayed strong protected their lead and fans had their hearts in their mouth as Birstall earned a corner in injury time, Nomads kept it out and after the ball was sent up the pitch, time would be called on the game as Nomads beat their rivals on their turf, after a 0-0  draw at our place that meant Nomads had the right to be smug, but it came with respect and praise from the hosts who were not bitter about being beaten by a team that showed such fire and determination.

Bretty was able to survive the 90+ minutes before putting his slippers back on and enjoying sitting down in the clubhouse!

Fulltime: Birstall 0-1 Nomads