Match report - Saturday November 13th
The crew of HMS Albion ( a ship affiliated to the city of Chester) were in town at the weekend to support Remembrance Day and as part of their visit a friendly football match was arranged with the famous old Chester Nomads club.
On a glorious crisp autumn morning the stage looked set for a day of first rate entertainment, a feast of football.
However behind the scenes a late scare as shortly before kick off Nomads manager Clive Davies was seen anxiously pacing up and down the changing room and repeatedly checking his watch as news had filtered through that one of his stalwart players, the highly rated Dalat, had been caught up in a traffic jam on his way to the game and was unlikely to make the start. With just ten minutes to go before kick off a roll call revealed only ten fully fit Nomads players present. The prospects for the game were now looking bleak. As the teams lined up for kick off and still no sign of Dalat, fate miraculously intervened when Simon Taylor, who was not due to play, appeared on the horizon carrying his boots on his shoulder. The relief for the home team was palpable as the game could commence on equal terms, and embarrassment was spared. The day was saved.
Once again though a slow start for Nomads, as their young energetic opponents took control and were marauding forward at will with all guns blazing. They soon took a two goal lead. Nomads were all at sea, as manager Clive attempted to batten down the hatches and level the ship. MoCham pulled a goal back for Nomads, but Albion added a further two goals before the break and now Nomads looked to be dead in the water. Shortly before half time a loud cheer went up amongst the home supporters as Dalat was spotted dashing from the car park toward pitch side. The Nomads talisman had arrived, but too late to impact the outcome of the first half.
HT Nomads 1 Albion 4
During his half time talk the Nomads manager had requested all hands on deck to help steer his team out of dire straits, and the message struck a chord as Nomads started the second half in a far more assertive and confident manner. Their midfield was performing really well with Joe, Kenny, Nathan, and Manesh, all linking up well and now proving more than a match for their much younger, athletic counterparts. Mo Cham was up to his old tricks, displaying his wizardry and dazzling footwork, leaving players and spectators alike gaping in admiration. No wonder they call him twinkle toes. New boy Andy Thomas showed his class with clever flick ons and perfectly weighted, one and two touch passes.
The Nomads defenders were now taking the wind out of the sails of the Albion forwards. Dalat had slotted snugly into the back line and was starting to organise effectively. Andy Ward stood firm like the Rock of Gibraltar. Facing down opponents less than half of his age, he used his know how and guile through excellent tackles and timely interceptions, to ensure that very little got past him. A Herculean performance from him. One of the unsung heroes of the team.
Nomads second half ascendency resulted in two further goals for them, both from Simon Taylor.
Full time Nomads 3 Albion 5
In summary, a hard fought competitive game played in the right spirit, not to mention a high level of footballing skills exhibited by both teams.
Nomads MOTM
Contenders include Simon Taylor who had miraculously appeared seconds before kick off to literally save the day. Widely considered to be one of Clive’s galacticos, he exudes class, scored two goals and nearly added a third with an overhead bicycle kick.
Young Nathan excelled in the second half displaying a fabulous array of passing skills.
However this week’s award goes to Andy Thomas, signed recently as ‘ one for the future ‘ this young man ( relatively speaking) is already making an impression and had provided a huge impetus to the team, with his vision and creativity in the midfield area.
A big thank you to HMS Albion for their competitive approach, friendly manner and sense of fair play. A credit to the Royal Navy.
Also big thanks to Nomads stalwart Musti for his leading role in organising the event.