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22nd March 2008
Rose penalty enough for three points in Nomads win
Manager Nicky Tucker made some surprising changes in his team selection as captain Matthew Rees was dropped to the bench for the first time in his Port Talbot Town career while Josh Payne retained his place in goal with youth team keeper Lloyd Clement moving upto the senior side as his replacement on the substitutes bench. Gareth Phillips and Matthew Thompson both returned to the starting line-up in place of other substitutes Dylan Blain and Leigh De-Vulgt. Port Talbot started brightly with Liam McCreesh, Lee John and Scott Barrow a constant danger to the home defence while Martin Rose was allowed through on goal in the opening exchanges but just denied by the home goalkeeper. Josh Payne was rarely troubled at the other end of the field as the new defensive pairing of Carl Evans and Lee Surman well organised. Mark McGibbon was also allowed room to push forward on the right and Port Talbot took a deserved lead from the penalty spot on 24 minutes when Scott Barrow was brought down in the area. Referee Rob Duncan offered no punishment to the Nomads defender but Rose calmly slotted the ball past the home keeper to hand his side the lead. Torrential rain made it a largely uneventful game after the goal as Port Talbot continued to push forward against a very poor Nomads side who offered little in return in front of a sparse crowd. Josh Payne was called into action midway through the second half to make a fine save after a rare Nomads attack while the resulting corner was comfortably cleared by the well organised visiting defence. Port Talbot were in control throughout the match despite being unable to add to their goal tally and held on for a comfortable win despite the single goal margin. Nicky Tucker will be pleased that his changes brought a positive result and with it showed his players that there is competition for everyone’s place in the side.
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