League Main Cup – at the 3rd attempt, this fixture was played at Harrogate High. Allstars were ‘chomping at the bit’ to play, as their last game was their only defeat so far this season on the 9th of December 2012.
The day was blustery to say the least and the pitch heavy, but in good condition considering the poor weather we have endured in the past weeks.
The game kicked off seeing new roles for Jake Richardson on the right side of midfield and Paddy Mac deputising as Captain at Centre Half. Soon from the KO it was easy to see that the lads were ‘ring rusty’ and this manifested itself in a misunderstanding between Maccer and James Moore in goal, allowing the Nidd Utd player to nip in and score 1 nil down inside 10 minutes.
The boys were not happy at all and from the restart Allstars attacked in wave after wave only to see an excellent display of goal keeping from the stoic Nidd ‘keeper deny at least 8 goal bound efforts. The pick of which saw a Sam Clark looping effort from just outside the right hand side of the penalty area palmed away to safety from just under the bar.
Constant pressure down both flanks from Jack Clifton on the left and ‘Rico’ on the right, finally paid off when Charlie Wynne ran onto an inch perfect ball from Jake Jones, and calmly convert to make it 1-1 at half time.
The second half saw more of the same until Jack Clifton latched onto a lay off from Charlie and slot it round the ‘keeper. Allstars now upped the pace, sensing Nidd’s heads going down and the introduction of Josh Mulandi to replace Jack, Joe Horsley to replace Sam after another of his bustling displays & Nat Cutts to replace Callum Poulter at right back.
The battering Nidd had taken in the first 45 minutes along with the heavy pitch began to take its toll and Allstars superior fitness and the fresh legs just added showed immediately. The central midfield area began to open up allowing the excellent Justin Nze to carry out his trademark runs and Jock Thrush to put in his usual ‘terrier like’ performance.
Jock continually won the aerial battle in the midfield hands down, whilst being the shortest on the pitch in that position. Up front a fizzing cross from Rico made it all the way across the penalty area untouched, the attempted clearance from the Nidd defender fell at the feet of Josh Mulandi who calmly cut inside and slipped it under the Nidd keeper. This was a carbon copy of a move 5 minutes before that was thwarted by the excellent Nidd ‘keeper.
Rico’s performance went from strength to strength, when another burst up the line saw a pinpoint delivery picking out Jock unmarked who launched himself into ‘bicycle-kick’ only to see it narrowly sail past the far post for a goal kick.
Towards the end of the game Allstars indoor training helped no end as their fitness helped them keep up the frenetic pace. Two further goals were added by Joe a header at the back post and a calmly taken finish to make 5-1 at the final whistle.
MOM award was given to Rico for his performance but a special mention for Jack Clifton who was a very close 2nd in the race for MOM. James must also get a mention, due to the constant onslaught from Allstars attack, Nidd were limited in their attacks, but James kept his concentration, to deny any opportunity whilst being very very cold.
All in all a fantastic display after such a lengthy lay off, Division ‘A’ high flyers Ilkley beckon in the next round.
