Manager Lol Thomas
Coach Tony Nightingale
Alex Combridge,Leagh Conwell , Carl Heard , Alex Johnson , Ben Kelly , Daniel Nightingale , Martin Richardson , Dexter Smith , Alex Thomas , Phillip Thomas , Robert West , Dean White , Glen White , Kevin Wong , Ben Kilshaw , Michael Williams , Martin Clarke , Phillip Winward
Nascot started brightly and went into a lead early on with the first of two strikes on the day from Ben Kilshaw. Partnered by Ben Kelly, the "smallest striker" approach proved effective and they worked hard to press the Phoenix defence, breaking through with pace on several occasions. Supplied with sufficient quality from midfield to both flanks, Alex Johnson and Dexter Smith broke with pace and Nascot controlled large parts of the first half. Leagh Conwell worked tirelessly in the centre of the park and with Rob West play making this partnership worked very well. Martin Richardson saved Nascot’s blushes with an excellent stop from a one of one but was unable to stop Phoenix from gaining an equaliser in the last minute of the first half. Disappointing from a defensive point of view as again Phil Thomas and Glen white were excellent throughout the game.
The second half saw Phoenix race out of the blocks and Alex Combridge was worked hard defending the single handed onslaught from the Phoenix No 11, cancelling him out without fail. However, the marauding attacks continued and although stifled out by Thomas and White, a defensive disaster allowed an unmarked Phoenix player to tap in for their second after a fumbled corner. Not to be outdone and driven on by Captain Conwell, Nascot pressed themselves back into the game and were unlucky to have an effort ruled out for off side. Martin Clarke improved throughout the game and made a superb defensive tackle when it appeared that Phoenix would score.
The second from Kilshaw raised Rangers tails and they pushed for the winner. Phil Thomas played a beautiful sweeping game to keep Phoenix out but could do nothing to stop them breaking through midway through the half, only for the effort to be finger tipped away by the diving Richardson.
Kevin Wong was introduced for the tiring Johnson with 15 to go and gave fresh legs to the team, with Alex Thomas coming on up front to provide some presence.
The game hung on a knife edge with either team failing to take their chances but with 2 minutes to run and with some sweet football being played by Rangers, Smith cut in from the left and on the edge of the box unleashed a shot that no keeper in this league could have stopped; as it curled into the far corner. It was a beauty of a strike and certainly the best goal so far this season. The last minute again saw Richardson called into action but Phoenix were beaten and could not break through.
Promising signs of Nascot developing a better passing game, keeping the ball down and looking to use the wide players. In midfield and defence we looked more solid and with the lightening pace up front, there was always a chance of getting a goal. Defensively the unit looked strong and in control and got better throughout the game. Hard to single any player out, as all played themselves into contention for the man of the match award. For his drive and leadership Conwell gets the nod a tiny whisker ahead of Combridge, AJ, Kelly, Richardson, Smith, Phil Thomas, West, White, Kilshaw or Clarke. They all could have earned the accolade!
Another close game with Garston Boys. Both sides having good chances and playing some nice football. The first half was eventful but it ended 0.0
Garston Boys scored early on in the second half, but the lads were straight back at them. The equaliser coming from a Phil Thomas corner finished with a bullet header by Alex Combridge.(which his Mum saw) Ben Kilshaw put NWR ahead with a much deserved goal, after all his tireless efforts. Garston Boys pushed us hard and soon equalised.
The tail end of the half was end to end. Garston boys winning a penalty but thwarted by a brilliant save from Martin Richardson. All the lads put heart and soul in to this game. We are proud of them all. As usual with Garston Boys it was a tight match played in good spirits.
M.O.M Martin Richardson
Even though we were playing a first division team it needed two dubious penalties given by Maccabi twelfth player to put them ahead.
Second half more than matched them and with a ref who could see that they only needed to wear one shirt unable to convert any of our chances they scored a well executed lob. to take the win 1 nil in our eyes.
NWR again managed to claw defeat from the jaws of victory. 2 nil up in fifteen minutes 2-2 at half time. only to concede a goal from the kick off. quickly pulled one back. only to gift them the rest of the goals. it has to be said that teams with Maccabi in their name do feel one shirt is not enough after trying to undress most of our players.
A slow start by NWR going 1 down to Garston on the 6 min. Leagh Conwell Equalised on 16 min with a perfect header from a Phil Thomas cross. Garston soon going ahead again. Dexter Smith levelled on 35 min. only for Garston to score just before half time.
Second half -
I am not privy to what Tony said at half time, but the lads were a lot sharper from the off. Leagh Conwell equalizing on 56 min. four mins later Rob West got the first of his hattrick. After a Garston keeper fumble (his only of the game). Sorry not mention everybody's contribution, but i am not very good at this.
Well done to all the lads getting the result with only 11 players.