Nomads shoot down Bucks challenge

The Nomads put in a good shift on a hot night at Chester University. The 3G was very flat and looked under grained but it didn't stop the fine pace, good tackling and technique of those with high skill.

The Nomads were missing the injured duo of Jack Rowlands and Luke Holden who showed their commitment by their presence watching from the side. Michael Burns, Lee McArdle and Gary O'Toole were unavailable and Terry McCormick helped from the side to allow Jon Rushton game time. It was also very good to see ex-Nomads boss Jim Hackett too who is currently back from coaching in Hong Kong on holiday.

A strong first half squad enjoyed almost total possession and scored three nice team goals. We had been sent out with a mandate to keep possession and the side did this effectively. Buckley competed well, if a little tenaciously at times and showed enough to suggest they will do ok in the Alliance this year.

The Nomads played in a diamond formation which seemed to suit the side well and certainly brought out the best in Gary Roberts who was great in this role. The craft of the side overpowered a hard working Buckley. The Nomads scored good goals - Paul Mooney sent in Jamie Rainford for the opener and soon after Rainford and Gary Roberts combined with a neat 1-2 sending Roberts in to finish very well. Jay Colbeck was effective and worked several exchanges with an impressive trialist, however the one that mattered was with Rainford who sent him in, to net another well carved out goal.

With George Horan and Jack Riley very comfortable alongside the other trialist, who showed the wealth of his football league experience, the back line looked very assured. Buckley rarely got through to test Jon Rushton.

Many changes and a change of formation didn't really work in the second half, however it was a bit of an error that gave the hosts a goal. We made and missed a hatful. A feature was the good last fifteen from 18 year old James Murphy who crashed an effort against the bar from outside the area, and a very mature display from Kyle Parle who looks a great addition. We added a fourth late on when Colbeck nipped in to net. Buckley more than held their own in the second period and might do better than some expect if they can match the effort they put in here.

Match Photos