After a solid start with neither team testing the keeper, a freak own goal put Nomads in the lead: Merrick's back pass bobbling over Bailey's foot and crossing the line.
Although Crossway didn't create anything clear cut they had responded well to the own goal, however Nomads went two up when a through ball was half dealt with by the defence, it broke to a Nomad's forward who finished excellently from 30 yards past a retreating Bailey.
Soon though, Crossway's resilience and determination paid off. Tod Davis beat his man and was upended in the box, a clear penalty. Thomas scored with a cool finish despite Nomad's keeper using some unorthodox tactics.
Crossway seized the initiative and controlled possession in the opposition half well. After some good harassing and chasing down defenders by Millington, Crossway won the ball in a dangerous position. Mellor’s looping cross was caught by the wind but not by the goalkeeper...
Half time; two all.
The second half started tightly, neither team creating a golden opportunity but both having a few half chances. Crossway came the closest with a looping shot from Paddy Hearn grazing the top of the bar.
Finally the tension was broken after some sustained pressure in the Nomad's final third. Davis beat his defender once more (a different defender this half as the original right back was removed at half time due to his ineptitude with a high ball and inability to handle Davis) the centre back came flying across and conceded a fowl near the by line, right on the edge of the box. Millington's curled cross flew passed the goalkeeper and Davis got in front of his maker and finished from a couple of yards.
With eight minutes left and zero league points after seven games, it was understandable that both excitement and nerves were high. However after some calm play, Davis took on several defenders. Scared of giving away a penalty, they could only watch as he advanced on the goal from a narrow angle and slotted the ball home.
The game seemed safe and beyond Nomads as Crossway played the ball around nicely and held on to possession pretty well. One last bit of drama remained though, Crossway's back five who had played a well organised, tough and determined game got caught out playing one too many passes across the back line. The Nomad's forward finished well from 20 yards out.
Crossway saw out the last minute comfortably and claimed their first win in the league!
A great team performance; 100% effort, commitment and desire from every single player meant that everyone won their personal battles. This combined with doing the simple things well for the whole 90 minutes is why we beat a team who were third in the league.
