Quick Fire Gary Treble Sinks Lairds

A perfect Gary O'Toole hat-trick (right foot, left foot and header) inside six minutes late in the first half inspired Nomads to a 3-1 win over Cammell Laird from the Evo-Stik First Divsion.

With the new league season just seven days away, Mark McGregor picked a strong team to face Wirral-based Cammell Laird and Nomads soon stamped their authority on the match. In the first minute Iwan Williams went close forcing Laird's 'keeper Phil Palethorpe to palm the ball over his crossbar. Four minutes later a fine right wing cross by James McIntosh was met by the head of O'Toole but the prolific marksman glanced his header agonisingly wide of the far post.

When Lairds did attack it was their tall striker Aaron Bowen who caused most of the problems for the home defence, Louis Mackin saving well from one fierce Bowen effort on 16 minutes. Moments later a Williams cross bisected O'Toole and the onrushing Forde before the visitors broke away and Marc Stevenson shot over the bar from 20 yards out.

Stevenson was not to be denied two minutes later, however, looping a shot over Mackin into the far corner of the net somewhat against the run of play. It took the home side a while to recover from this setback but when they did the goals came in a rush.

On 34 minutes Palethorpe made a grab for O'Toole and although McIntosh managed a shot on goal the referee awarded Nomads a penalty kick for the keeper's indiscretion. O'Toole made no mistake from the spot firing low into the right corner of the net with Palethorpe heading in the opposite direction.

Two minutes later Nomads went ahead with a goal that will not be bettered throughout the season. A long ball found O'Toole 25 yards from goal and the Nomads hitman controlled the ball, swivelled and struck a fierce left-foot volley over the flailing goalkeeper.

Nomads were now swarming all over their opponents and a third goal was not long in coming. Once again James McIntosh had a hand in the 39th minute effort as his shot was saved only for the ball to bounce invitingly for Gary O'Toole to nod into the far corner for a marvellous treble.

There was still time for Craig Jones to lob the ball against the bar before Bowen forced Mackin into another good save just before the interval.

After such a fine first 45 minutes it was not surprising that both teams played rather more cautiously after the break. Nomads' flow was not helped by an injury to O'Toole whose right shin was damaged on 54 minutes causing the striker to leave the field. Boss McGregor used three second half substitutes bringing on Jamie Petrie, Steve Belli and Shaun Tinsley each seeing plenty of the ball thereafter. Louis Mackin has had few quieter afternoons this year but Bowen did manage to force the Nomads' 'keeper to make a brilliant catch from a close range header on 78 minutes.

Nomads now entertain Wrexham on Monday evening (kick-off at 7.0pm) and it is likely that Dean Saunders will field quite a strong side after the Robins gained a 2-0 victory over Northwich Victoria this afternoon.

NOMADS: Louis Mackin, Ben Alston, Ben Collins, Jack Rowlands, Andy Alston, Craig Jones, Shaun Roscoe, Danny Forde, Gary O'Toole, James McIntosh, Iwan Williams.

Substitutes: Jamie Petrie (for O'Toole 60), Steve Belli (for Forde 67), Shaun Tinsley (for Andy Alston 67).