Early chances went astray but in the 16th minute Nomads opened the scoring. Scott James fed Joe Moran who went on a strong run down the right, his cross found Lee Connolly who made no mistake by hitting the back of the net. The lead was increased on 30 minutes, this time Matt Boyles found Joe Moran, who after another strong run, cut in and finished the job off himself with a low hard shot. Birstall’s few chances were dealt with by a solid Nomads defence, so the score remained 2-0 at the break. The second half was only 10 minutes old when the Nomads made it 3-0. A long ball from recent acquisition Barry Palmer found Ashley Morris in the box, who rounded the keeper and placed the ball into the net. On 70 minutes Lee Connolly won the ball on the edge of the Birstall box, his precision pass found Joe Moran, but with his easiest chance of the match, shot wide. A goal would have given him 10 for the season. Birstall then had a period of pressure which required Richard Clay to help out his defence with the occasional sliding collection. A goal did not come, and the Nomads eventually regained control. By now the result was never in doubt, but to add a gloss to their performance the Nomads made it 4-0 on 85 minutes. Michael Reeve found Jake Duffy who skilfully chipped the tall Birstall keeper. In order to keep a clean sheet, Richard Clay had to produce a great save at his near post in the final seconds. The victory means Anstey Nomads are still unbeaten, and now face Barrow Town from the EMCL in the final of The Battle of Britain Charity Cup on Wednesday 17th September, the venue this season being Blaby. Report by Rob Morrell |