Allexton fail to park Nuneaton’s title charge - match Report: Allexton & NP 2 NTFC 4
Match report by Owen Jephcote
First Half:
Allexton & New Parks started brightly and took the lead in the 17th minute, with their No. 20 calmly finishing a low cross to give them the advantage. Nuneaton responded quickly, levelling the score just four minutes later as Danico Johnson slotted home following a precise assist from Spruce. Just before halftime, Nuneaton gained the upper hand when Aaron Williams rose highest to head in a well-delivered cross from Callum Carsley in the 44th minute. Allexton almost found an equalizer in stoppage time, and then a Hendrie header went over the bar after Spruce’s shot was saved. In the 47th minute, Allexton’s No. 10 came close, sending an effort just over the bar.
Both Corey Currithers and his opposite number were shown a yellow card after the half time whistle after a slight melee.
Half Time: 1-2
Second Half:
Nuneaton came out with intent in the second half and were awarded a penalty in the 53rd minute after Spruce was brought down by the Allexton keeper while through on goal. The keeper was booked for the challenge. Recci’s penalty was well saved onto the bar. However, he reacted quickest to the rebound, slotting home to give Nuneaton a 3-1 lead. In the 59th minute, Spruce spotted the keeper off his line and attempted a long-range shot, but his effort flew inches wide of the post.
In the 68th minute, Nuneaton sealed their victory with a fourth goal. A corner was worked out to Callum Carsley on the edge of the box, and his scuffed shot found its way through a crowd of players and into the corner of the net, putting Nuneaton 4-1 up. Allexton responded with some late pressure, and in the 80th minute, Harrison had a chance from the edge of the box, but he scuffed his shot wide.
With the game approaching its end, Allexton pulled one back in the 89th minute. Their No. 16 turned Nuneaton’s Edwards in the box before firing a low shot into the corner of the net, making it 4-2 in the visitors favour. Despite this late goal, Nuneaton held on to secure the victory.
Nuneaton Town Lineup:
1 Brandon Bache, 2 Trevor Edwards, 3 Callum Carsley (Sub Off 83’), 4 Corey Currithers (C), 5 Dominic Perkins, 6 Loyiso Recci, 7 Stuart Hendrie (Sub Off 73’), 9 James Spruce, 11 Aaron Williams (Sub Off 67’), 19 Callum Thorpe (Sub Off 63’), 20 Danico Johnson (Sub Off 70’)
Substitutes:
8. Declan Somel (Sub On 67’), 10. Cody Mullan (Sub On 63’), 14. Justin Marsden (Sub On 70’), 16 Jake Lamb (Sub On 83’), 15. James Harrison (Sub On 74’)
