5 is definitely the magic number for the Nailers.
Following a great Christmas prep campaign which saw the Nailers win 4 and draw 1 scoring 31 goals in the process we felt that momentum was certainly in our favour going back into League action in a must win game versus Deeside at the Meadows.
With just 20 seconds on the clock great work from Walton inside the Deeside ‘D’ saw Drew Burkin just 2 feet out from goal with a simple tap in but somehow confusion reigned and when it appeared he just couldn’t miss a freak bobble saw the ball hit his foot, a big let off for Deeside.
The game was off to a blistering start and on 10 mins fine work from Deeside saw them win their first corner of the match.
Up stepped the ex Pakistan Captain Ali Ghazanfai who rifled in an unstoppable trade mark corner past keeper Slane to give Deeside the lead.
Nailers 0 – 1 Deeside
10 Ghazanfai (PC)
The game was just end to end with the Nailers playing the ball through the channels well but just not converting the few chances they were creating and with Deeside filling the midfield and using the aerial route as much as possible it was a very tight affair and on 28 mins disaster struck for the Nailers as Matt Stevent pounced on a loose ball inside the Nailers ‘D’ to slot home to extend the visitors lead.
Nailers 0 – 2 Deeside
28 Stevent (op)
The Nailers crowd was now silenced as all the mid-season promise appeared to be dwindling away in front of their eyes but we on the bench knew better. We are made of stronger stuff these days.
With the clock ticking down towards ½ time the Nailers pressure finally paid off on 32 minutes as great midfield work from Alex Robey and Joe Paul worked the opening for Drew Burkin to score and bring the Nailers back into the game.
Nailers 1 – 2 Deeside
32 Burkin (op)
And the Nailers were not finished there as with just seconds to go to the ½ time whistle it was Ebbage on the wing who slotted a great square ball to an unmarked Tom Wilson at the top of the ‘D’, he controlled the ball first time and thrashed home a bullet shot to bring the scores level at 2-2. The Nailers were right back in the game.
Nailers 2 – 2 Deeside
34 Wilson (op)
½ time and we had momentum back in our favour.
The Nailers came out 2nd ½ with strong belief and commitment abound determined to push the Deeside midfield and the influential Ghazanfai deep into their own ½ and dominate.
But we never make it easy as on 40 mins a mistake in midfield turned over the ball and Deeside capitalised with a well taken 3rd to once again send them into the lead.
Nailers 2 – 3 Deeside
40 Lamont (op)
Almost straight from the restart though Nailers drove at the Deeside defence, superb wing play from Sherratt caused the Deeside back line to over commit and a simple slipped ball found Steve Batten in front of goal, a superb piece of individual skill saw him totally fool the Keeper to create the space for the shot at an open goal, but the keeper didn’t follow the ball and just crashed straight through the back of Batten causing him to leave the field with Knee and Ankle damage. Penalty Stroke to the Nailers.
With the keeper very lucky not to have been yellow carded it was left to Man of the Match Luke Davies to step up and give him no chance with a very well placed stroke to bring parity back to the game.
Nailers 3 – 3 Deeside
41 Davies (PS)
Nailers were now dominant but we were always under threat from the long range balls from deep and the ever dangerous Ghazanfai. On 49 mins Deeside were awarded another PC but this time the Nailers defence were out fast to snuff out any opportunity.
With the game in the balance it was now time for Walton to pop up with his regular contribution finishing off another well worked Nailers move from close range to send us into the lead for the first time.
Nailers 4 – 3 Deeside
54 Walton (OP)
We just couldn’t see Deeside getting back into the game providing we scored next and it was on 60 mins that it was time for Captain Lamb to step up as Nailers won another penalty corner.
A great injection saw Lamb wind up and smash the ball low into the left hand corner for what was to prove the decisive goal.
Nailers 5 – 3 Deeside
60 Lamb (PC)
An ecstatic bench and happy crowd had been treated to another great 5 goal display from the Nailers and the points were in the bag.
Final Score
NAILERS 5 – 3 DEESIDE
Managers Comments:
There was only 1 target today – 3pts. The guys have shown just what a competitive side we now are and again with our goal tally just what a dangerous side we have become in front of goal.
5 goals again and all from different scores, that makes 36 in just 6 games, got to be happy with that.
The downside was the injury to Steve Batten, we are still waiting on the results of his Knee and Ankle injuries but hope to see him back very soon.
We have finally moved out of the relegation zones and are only looking 1 way now and that’s UP.
With Ian McHugh returning from Australia this week and also the return of Nick Morris we are currently in a great position squad wise, the guys are all pushing hard for those National League slots which is also positive news for the rest of the club allowing the 2nd XI to strengthen as was shown this week with their 3-1 away win at Rugby with several National league registered players within their ranks.
Great result today.
