Nomads started this season with a great run-out at a very hospitable Blacon of the West Cheshire League.

On a warm day and on an excellent playing surface we took the game to the hosts from the start, playing with pace and control, and the English side struggled to cope with the power of Ben Collins and Rob Jones in particular.

However it was the youngsters who caught the eye with Rhys Healey making great runs that stretched Blacon and George Baxter hitting one excellent cross-field pass very early on.

The first choice back three were in complete control and the only surprise of a one sided first half was that our 20th minute opening goal was the only one of a very good 45 minutes for the Nomads.

Our three teenagers combined for the goal. Rhys Healey fed Shaun Tinsley who skipped wide on the left and swept a low cross for George Baxter to arrive and net off the underside of the bar.

We would have had more if the referee had been less generous to Blacon. There were three clear penalties not given to us. The final one when a Blacon defender lunged to clip Healey’s heel as he was about to score was impossible to miss.

The ref had gone bright red in the face. Was it keeping up with the speed of our attack or was it because he had come up with a way to nullify Rhys’s long throw?
Every time our youngster launched the ball into the box he called him incorrectly for a foul throw.

NOMADS FIRST HALF TEAM
Mackin; Alston A, McGregor, Alston B; Collins, Hooley, Baxter, Wynne, Jones Rob; Healey, O’Toole (Tinsley).

The second half team comprised even more youngsters and for a short while Nomads were pushed back, but Tigger got his midfield marshalled and soon the control was re-established.

Stephen Belli put in Jamie Petrie whose great cross saw James McIntosh and a defender arrive on the near post together - the dubious goals panel might have called this an OG but James was pressing hard and his foot was well in there so he gets it.

There was no doubt about his next on 63 minutes running in late to meet an excellent cross with a text book header.

We saw some thrilling runs from Stephen Belli, such quick feet, just needs to choose better when to release the final pass. Aled Reece did well up front and added the final goal with a well timed run and clip under the advancing keeper on 83 minutes.

Shaun Tinsley moved in at the back alongside Ryan Jones with Jordan Beck. All did well and all were far from out of place.

NOMADS SECOND HALF TEAM
Mackin; Alston B, Jones Ryan, Tinsley; Wynne, Jones C, Petrie, Belli, Jones Rob; McIntosh, Reece.

Nomads would like to thank Blacon for a great welcome and a really good friendly to start the season with.