Really pleased we chose this game - a cracking seven goal thriller that swung to and fro throughout the entire ninety minutes.
Despite conceding three goals, Gedling were never behind in this game and this highlighted their new found resolution and resolve under new boss Graham Walker. I had decided not to write anything about this game, but after the result though I'd chuck a few paragraphs together!
NATHAN FRANCIS opened the scoring in the 11th minute, hitting an absolute belter past keeper Steff Joyce from 22 yards. Welfare remained in control until the 43rd minute when the Nomads were awarded what both me and Kev thought was a soft penalty after two players got their legs tangled up in the box. Referee Stu Richardson had no doubt though, and STEVE ARMSON stepped up to fire the ball straight down the middle of the goal to level things up. Straight from the kick off though, the home team regained the advantage, LIAM CORRIGAN firing home. H-T 2-1
The second half was barely two minutes old when JOE HARTOPP levelled the scores - the pacy striker made a powerful run from midfield which culminated with a superb low drive from the corner of the box that flew across Scott Miles and nestled in the far corner. Five minutes later the home team were back in front, yet again! Tom Crisp's free-kick into the box wasn't cleared properly, and after Aaron Evans had his shot blocked, GRANT WALTON hit the loose ball crisply past Joyce from close range.
With 71 played, the Nomads restored parity, ASH AKIENS firing home from the edge of the box after the home defence dropped too far back and allowed the visitors too much room in midfield. Still Gedling refused to give up - and they went a head yet again with five minutes left on the clock. Some neat passing outside the Nomads' area paid dividends, and when Eugene Francis laid the ball to CORRIGAN, the classy midfielder drove it past Joyce from about12 yards. F-T 4-3.
Good to see ex-Hucknall Town lads Aaron Evans and Tom Crisp playing so well - the step up from step 7 to step 6 can sometimes find players out, but in this game at least, both looked comfortable and both contributed well to the Welfare victory.