The Christmas break seemed to have affected Nomads less than Cambridge South. After an even first half, the additional fitness and intelligent play of the away side proved decisive.

Nomads took an early lead but this was cancelled out by a terrific equaliser. Shahbaz took a quick long range side line hit to Boris Lossy, who took it on the run and calmly shimmied past the keeper. Unfortunately this only encouraged Nomads to retaliate with a smartly taken second whilst South were still rejoicing

The second half saw Nomads attacking well with some great moves which South were unable to resist. It was soon 3-1. Skipper John Greaves grabbed one back after some neat play in the opposition D leading to a lay off to Wilco who kindly slotted the ball to a grateful Greaves, three yards out. Man of the match Tom Steed showed skills and tenacity to battle with tough and much larger opponents and showed team mates how to keep possession and maintain pressure on his marker.

Alan Radford showed similar tenacity, but unfortunately his finger came off worst in a challenge, and he generously decided to go over to the side of the pitch rather than spatter blood over the new playing surface. His robust and effective defending was much missed after this point. We understand finger and owner are doing OK.

Greaves and others were unlucky not to get more goals, with Shabhaz also going close and Rupert Espley, who seemed to be everywhere, getting the ball into the danger areas with purposeful dribbles....but crosses didnt seem to find their desired targets. The home team were restricted to some deflected efforts, whilst Nomads spotted that we were tiring and capitalised with a fourth.

Cantabs teas afterwards were tasty and plentiful.

Next week it's back to the league...and a series of treks to the northern wastes.