If you wanted entertainment, drama and value for money the only place to be was at Cropston Road. Some spectators however missed out, as with the Nomads losing 4-2 with only added time to play, they started to make their way home. What nobody expected was for the Referee to judge there would be over 9 minutes required and the Nomads took full advantage by scoring 2 goals to make extra-time necessary, followed by penalty kicks. The Nomads had the better of the first half but the final touch was generally missing. Jake Duffy did strike just before half-time for a 1-0 lead but otherwise the closest the Nomads came was when Matt Boyles hit the post. The Second-half started with much of the same, but a slip on 55 minutes allowed Quorn to level. The Nomads brought on their leading two strikers and they combined on 68 minutes to regain the lead. Lee Connolly flicked the ball past the advancing keeper and Joe Moran tapped in. One minute later, a penalty was awarded, Shaun Bowles saved the shot but Quorn were first to meet the parry and the match was level at 2-2. The goal gave Quorn added momentum; attacks down the flanks were poorly defended allowing chances to be created on 80 and 85 minutes, which were accepted and the game seemed lost. A Michael Reeve strike looked to be just a consolation and was confirmed when Joe Moran headed the ball at the keeper, but the Referee continued to look at his watch, and allowed play to continue. Joe Moran then took on the Quorn defence, was brought down in the box and Jake Duffy put away the penalty kick in style. Immediately afterwards the Referee blew his whistle and the match went into extra time. The heavy pitch finally took its toll on both teams. Chances were created, but none accepted and it was no surprise the match would be finally decided from the penalty spot. The drama would have been complete if Sean Bowles, acquired from Quorn in October had saved the day, but after converting Nomads first kick was unable to save any of the Quorn penalty kicks, and Lee Connolly blasted over Nomads fifth to give Quorn the match. The Nomads should not be thinking of their missed chances or of the missed penalty, but did they deserve to win the match by conceding 4 goals. Robert Morrell |