Nomads wanted a tough game and we certainly got one against newly formed Stockport Sports. Formerly Woodley Sports, Stockport Sports must start life again in the North West Counties League. Like Chester before them, they also look likely to be in the Conference North within three years,.

‘The Saxons’ are now managed by Peter Withe and assisted by Gary Bennett and they have already signed four players from league football. Four French and two other trialists started the game against Nomads. Ex-Bury and Rochdale pro’s, Ricky Annane and Rafael Evans also started. The match was played on the 3G pitch at the JMO Sports ground in Skelmersdale, as the newly developing Stockport Sports Village is still under construction.

Missing Gary O’Toole and Michael Robinson, Nomads included a couple of trialists. We started the game with Callum Hawthorne in goal, Shaun Tinsley, Chris Rowntree and Ben Alston at the back, Jordan Beck, Fordey, Tigger, Ricky Evans and Jamie Petrie across the middle, with Rhys Healey and Dean Canning up front.

From the off, Nomads were put under severe pressure as the big, quick and strong Stockport side passed incisively and with great touch on a surface they knew well. We struggled, so it was no surprise when Annane burst through on the right and sent a pass in for a big French Anelka look alike to hit a shot across our keeper and in. We had to hold on, as wave after wave of attacks pushed us back, but hold on we did. Gradually as we adapted to the 3g surface, we started to attack, with Dean Canning and Rhys Healey both getting in good attempts.

Under the burning sun, we were doing fine until a loose pass saw Annane run on to and smash home a twenty yard volley that left Callum rooted to the spot. Having weathered the storm we were disappointed to go in two down.

Nomads changes for the second half saw John Rushton in goal, Ben Alston, Mark McGregor and Danny Dobbins at the back, Jamie Petrie, Tigger, Chris Rowntree, Michael Thompson and Alan Hooley across the middle and Dean Canning and Ricky Evans up front. Stockport took off three of the Frenchman and brought on two Australians and another trialist..

We were dominant now. Some of our passing and link play was excellent and  chances came. Rafael Evans was tested and the stocky centre back did well to hold us off. The young Australian alongside him was very impressive and we worked them well. On 55 minutes, a deep Nomad cross was headed across goal from the back post by Mark McGregor and Chris Rowntree headed home at the near post. We had several other good efforts with Michael Thompson and Dean causing the hosts no end of problems with their pace.

Rhys Healey came back on for the last 15 minutes and with ten to go, he got free inside the box and as he steadied to shoot, he was hooked down from behind almost level with the penalty spot. The referee blew instantly, but much to everyone’s amazement, he took the ball back to the penalty area line and awarded us a free kick instead.

The game ended opposite to its start – with Nomads pounding away at Stockport Sports instead. This game was just what we needed for the pre season, a great work out, decent performance, plus some new lessons learnt against a very strong side. As an advocate for Nomads getting a 3G surface, I was pleased that almost all the Nomads had forgotten about the type of surface they were playing on, well before the end.