M6 vs Cambridge Nomads 3

Goal scorer: Ben J

An away game this week (thankfully at Wilberforce Road, so not a long journey for the M6s Ultras) with Nomads 3’s providing a local derby.

It was clear early on that both teams were in determined mood and after an evenly contested opening period to the game, it was City who broke the deadlock. Some great persistence from the young forward Ben in the opposition area and good link up play with debutant youngster Raphael, created City’s first real chance resulting in the (spoiler alert) only goal of the game. Briefly taking time away from grumbling at his defenders, the crowd clearly heard the City keeper (Rod) shouting words of encouragement to his forward players. When quizzed however, he denied all knowledge of this event ever having taken place.

The Nomads team were not deterred and produced some good possession based hockey but were unable to trouble the City keeper. Shortly after the goal, a great break away from the Nomads needed Nigel Gadsby to use all his experience to thwart what would have been a clear sight of goal.

Some of the Nomads pressure was relieved by more good work up front with Ben winning a short corner. A cleverly worked routine created a chance for Thomas Liley, sadly the shot went wide. More good play from Nomads saw Graeme Menzies roll back the years with a lung busting “looking for 6th gear” run across the defensive line to avert another promising attack.

For the first time this season, Tim Ireland received a first verbal warning for grumbling a little too vocally about one or two umpiring decisions. Not to be outdone by his midfield partner, Stephen Graves (purple with rage) was then heard saying “what’s the point” as his advances were thwarted by another foot rather than a legal challenge. Has anyone heard the phrase “grumpy old men?” Having defended well for a sustained period, City had the chance to kill the game off when the two strikers were left two on one with the Nomads keeper. Sadly, on this occasion, communication deserted them and the keeper was able to thwart the attack. A lesson learnt for next time for the youngsters.

As the game moved into the last quarter, further members of the extremely competitive M6 team were seen “having a chat” with the umpires! Nigel Gadsby was told “If you try again to gain yards by moving the ball, you’ll be off”.

Towards the end of the game, with Nomads advancing into the City D, tempers again rose and Tim Ireland's slightly over competitive nature saw him given the green card…..will he ever learn? A few Nomads were also getting a little hot under the collar and the umpire again had to intervene with Tim Willan and a Nomads striker exchanging pleasantries!

Despite a lot of possession, a combination of stout City defence and too many stray passes in the attacking third of the pitch from the Nomads meant that the City keeper was not required to make a save in the game. The M6s winning streak continues but have been knocked off top spot by the M5s on goal difference.