Cambridge South 2nds, sponsored by PwC, proved too strong for struggling local rivals Cambs Nomads 4ths in this game.

South were on top from the opening whistle, with the ball barely leaving the Nomads half. Half chances were coming and going, but with the ball flying around near the Nomads net so often the breakthrough had to come. South thought they had achieved it when Kevin Rowland poked home after a scramble in the circle. Instants before the ball had gone in however, a Nomads player had tried to clear the ball and only succeeded in lifting it into the chest of Rob Barton. The (Nomads) umpire initially had tried to play an advantage to South for this, but when he awarded the goal the understandably vociferous protests from his club-mates were enough to encourage him to discuss the situation with the other (South) umpire, and also both captains. The eventual outcome was a short corner to South, which as your match reporter is a qualified Umpire himself he can confirm was exactly the right decision. It may have taken the umps a while, but they got there. South, of course, didn’t score from this short…

However, that was but a momentary reprieve for Nomads. And when South took the lead, it included a helping hand, or more specifically foot, from the visitors. A fairly aimless ball had been played into the Nomads circle from distance, which was rolling into the net for a 16-yard hit. However, the ‘keeper strangely elected to kick the ball clear and only played it straight to Dave Stock, waiting on the penalty spot. Dave controlled, didn’t panic, and passed the ball into the corner of the net.

South’s lead was doubled towards the end of the first half. Dave Monck took a free-hit from the 25 yard line and fired it into a crowd in the circle. The ball took a couple of ricochets before ending up on the stick of Colin Singleton, waiting, unmarked, by the left post. Col had a simple task of rolling the ball from close range into an unguarded net.

The second period followed a similar plot to the first. South well on top, Nomads trying to play on the counter but generally getting nowhere near shooting at Steve Parker’s goal (Steve wouldn’t have a save to make all match). The lead was extended when a shot-cum-cross from Al Sinclair from the right channel was flicked high into the net by a man at the far post. Discussion after the game on this goal was quite confused with both Rob and Dave S convinced they had had the final touch. Both found advocates for their position from teammates. The debate was finally settled by Dave saying “Well, I’ve got one other goal anyway, so Rob can have this one.”

The final goal of the match was more clear-cut, and possibly the best that South 2nds have scored all campaign. A battle for the ball in the midfield was won by Jan Brynjolffssen by knocking the ball clear of the tackle area backwards to Al Sinclair. Jan then moved wide to the line, where Al slipped a nice pass between two Nomads to find him. Jan feed the ball on to Samin Ishtiaq further up the flank who drew a defender before passing back inside and square to Al, who was moving up the right channel to support the attack. Right-midfielder Al had the time and space to look and wait on the ball, spotting his opposite flank man Col making a darting run towards the far post. Al’s 25-yard crossfield pass to Col was superbly directed and weighted, perfectly into his run, allowing Col to finish emphatically with a first time sweep.

That wrapped up a comfortable victory for South, keeping them in the top half of the table, comfortable that they are well out of range of the teams at the very bottom, and hopeful of a least maintaining sixth spot or possibly picking off either St. Neots or March Town, currently the two sides above them in the table. Skipper Kev was pleased, saying "We clearly dominated Nomads today, every player took the opportunity to play good passing offensive hockey. It wasn’t a difficult win but it was a great attitude from the team that led to us maintaining quality play without stepping of the gas or complacency against a weaker side".