Nomads crashed out of this years FA vase at the 2nd qualifying stage again following a 3-1 away defeat at current NCEL Premier side Grimsby Borough.
The home side started strongly and were unfortunate not to take the lead in the opening minute but the headed effort was high. Nomads dealt with the early pressure but struggled to make any real opportunities at the other end. After 15 minutes Winger Kieran Alley produced a great cross ball but there was no Nomads player to get on the end of it.
Grimsby continued to press forward but the Nomads defence held firm and began to grow into the game, Kyle Foley saw his effort on goal deflected behind by a Borough defender mid way through the half. At the other end, Jake Wright was in the right place to clear off the line and Alex Fowell made a great save to keep it scoreless at half time. Home side definitely having the better of the chances.
The second half started with Grimsby dominating possession again but no real chances and Nomads began to get more into the game and playing probably their best football of the match when the home team took the lead just after the hour mark when their number 18 was left alone at the back post to tap in an easy finish.
The lead didn’t last long though as Danny McLaughlin got the ball at his feet with his back to goal 2 minutes later and turned the defender to finish past the keeper and level the game. Both teams worked hard to get the next goal but the Grimsby substitute was the man to take his chance. He picked the ball up and drive past 3 defenders before curling in a superb shot past Fowell.
Nomads were up against it now and were struggling to find the quality needed to get back into the game, but it was soon to be taken out of their hands through some quality at the other end. The Grimsby skipper pulled off a cruyff turn in the box sending 2 Nomads platers the wrong way before finishing past Fowell to make it 3-1.
Grimsby were comfortably managing the game now and fully deserved the victory. There was some good football by Nomads on the day, and they competed well for large periods but the home side had the better of the chances. Positive points for Nomads were first team debuts for Harry Shipton from the reserves and Oghenero Orhenomare (Jen) from the under 18’s. Both players acquitted themselves well and we will be seeing more of them in the future.
