After years in the wilderness, the Nomads were again invited to play in the Rolleston Charity Cup. With clubs from higher Leagues to play against this competition would give an indication of their strength. To reach the Final the Nomads had already put out Ibstock United and Oadby Town, but the real test would be this match and Holmes Park was the venue. Hinckley came close to open the scoring on 15 minutes when following a corner the ball was headed against the cross bar. However, two minutes later the Nomads were awarded a free kick, Lee Connolly received the ball, his slide rule pass found Joe Moran who placed the ball into the net. Hinckley drew level on 20 minutes, but the Nomads managed to restore the lead on 35 minutes, when Joe Moran out paced the defender and slotted home. With only 10 minutes into the second half, Michael Reeve outpaced two players, squared the ball for Danum Russell who finished with aplomb to make it 3-1. On 65 minutes, Lee Connolly opened his account, Joe Moran being the provider, then three minutes later the roles were changed, which gave Joe Moran a hat-trick and a 5-1 score line. Lee Connolly added to his tally on 75 minutes, after good work by Jake Duffy, and shortly after with the match won Stu Dealey made triple substitutions. Nothing changed, the Nomads continued to show their superiority, and with only a few minutes left on the clock, Joe Moran left a dispirited Hinckley defence flat footed and finished in style to complete a four goal haul. At the beginning of the season, who would have forecast two League titles for the Nomads, winners of two Cup Competitions, and still the Beacon Bitter League Cup to play for? Rob Morrell |