Triallists Untangle Cables

Two quickfire goals after the interval helped Nomads turn the tables on their hosts and earn another victory over the Merseyside-based Prescot Cables.

With the Hope Street ground bathed in sunshine the home team showed off many new faces to their supporters including Tommy Baker who moved from Connah's Quay to Prescot this summer after making 111 appearances for the Deesiders. Baker was a scorer in Nomads' 3-2 win against Prescot twelve months ago, a result the Evo-Stik League side were keen to wipe from the memory.

With so many players wanting to make a good impression upon new manager Dave Ridler it was hardly surprising that Prescot were quickly on the offensive. Nomads were not helped by an early injury to Danny Forde although his replacement, Rob Jones, was eager to return to the fray following his wonder goal against Chester Nomads on Wednesday.

Prescot were first to settle and took the lead on 24 minutes through Liam Pearson whose effort beat Louis Mackin and struck both posts before settling in the net. Mark McGregor's men were defending competently but unable to make much impression on the home back four until triallist Iwan Williams had a 'goal' ruled out just before the break.

Whatever McGregor said at half-time it had an immediate effect upon the team as Nomads equalised within ten seconds of the restart. Jamie Petrie broke clear and squared the ball for Iwan Williams to fire home. Five minutes later a ricochet off Ben Collins found Williams but his overhead effort was again ruled out by a linesman's flag. The visitors were not to be denied, however, and took the lead on 55 minutes when triallist Shaun Roscoe sent a left shot firmly past the Cables 'keeper.

A succession of substitutions for both sides slowed the pace but by now Nomads were playing the ball around neatly and creating opportunities in front of goal. Ben Collins had two chances within a minute culminating in a 74th minute corner when a goalbound effort struck a defender. Roscoe fired over the bar late on and Tommy Baker almost notched a goal for Prescot but his shot from 20 yards was parried by Nomads' substitute goalkeeper John Rushton.

NOMADS: Louis Mackin, Ben Alston, Ben Collins, Mark McGregor, Andy Alston, Craig Jones, Jamie Petrie, Alan Hooley, Iwan Williams, James McIntosh, Danny Forde.

Substitutes: Rob Jones (for Forde 27), Shaun Roscoe (for Hooley 45), Jack Rowlands (for Ben Alston 55), John Rushton (for Mackin 69), Rhys Healey (for Williams 78), Shaun Tinsley (for McIntosh 78).