Cradley pay the penalty as late comeback Rec's their chances of victory and keeps Town's winning streak going - Match report & Reaction: Cradley Town 1 - NTFC 3

By Matt Jones

Cradley Town 1-3 Nuneaton Town
(North 6: Recci 73(p), 77(p), Williams 83)
Att 267

Nuneaton Town made a second difficult away trip in three days as they faced Cradley Town looking to seal a double against their play off chasing hosts.

Backed by another great away following, the match managed to beat the rain that had fell all day although the weather made the pitch very muddy, something that perhaps suited Cradley more than Nuneaton. The weather had beaten the match featuring Nuneaton's closest rivals Heather St John's away at Wednesfield, so Nuneaton knew a win would extend the lead at the top.

Early shouts for a penalty for Nuneaton within seconds were waved away as the handball wasn't given, but 6 minutes in Callum Carsley tried to clear the ball upfield and and unfortunate ricochet lead to Callum North being through on goal for Cradley, he managed to turn inside Loyiso Recci who had got back to cover and slotted the ball into the bottom corner (0-1).

Nuneaton looked dangerous in trying to get an immediate equaliser but the heavy pitch was making it difficult to get clear chances for either side. Declan Somel volleyed over on 10, and three minutes later Dom Perkins headed wide from Carsley's free kick into the box.

On 20 minutes Nuneaton could perhaps have had a penalty as Lucas Muckley appeared to handle just inside his own box, but the free kick was given on the edge of it, unfortunately it came to nothing.

Both sides were becoming frustrated at the referee as the game was often unable to flow, and on 38 minutes Danico Johnson saw yellow for dissent after discussion with the linesman, and was sin binned for the rest of the half.

James Harrison had the final effort on target of the half, curling into the keeper's arms after good work with Carsley on the left.

Half time: Cradley Town 1-0 Nuneaton Town

Nuneaton started the second half like they ended the first, on the front foot and creating chances. And 10 minutes into the half they broke the back line as James Spruce played the ball through to Harrison who under pressure from the defender was unable to poke it past the keeper. Aaron Williams replaced Spruce soon after.

On 59 minutes Carsley managed to find a yard on the left to whip the ball in but Williams could only skim it wide. Justin Marsden replaced Johnson afterwards, and minutes later Stuart Hendrie replaced Harrison.

The experience of Marsden and Hendrie up front was beginning to cause Cradley problems, but on 72 minutes the game changed completely, as a ball into the box found the defenders hand and the referee gave a penalty. Recci was on hand to place the penalty to the keepers left as he dived the other way (1-1). Ben Billingham was sin binned for Cradley at the same time.

Cradley were incensed at the penalty decision, and Nuneaton were able to get some more joy in the final third, and as Trevor Edwards drove into the box and passed to Cody Mullan, the latter was brought down for a second penalty in four minutes. Recci took no chances and slammed the ball high down the middle to turn the game on its head (2-1).

One of the Cradley bench saw red soon after as the game became heated. And the game was sealed in the 83rd minute as a devastating 11 minute spell was complete. Great interplay around the box between Marsden, Carsley, Somel and Hendrie lead to Carsley's low cross finding Williams with space to slot it into the corner (3-1).

Nuneaton had defended excellently in the second half whilst being patient enough to find a way to win in tough conditions.

Full time: Cradley Town 1-3 Nuneaton Town

REACTION

Coach Dan Kembery shared his thoughts on the game:

'Yeah obviously it was difficult in the circumstances, pitch wasn't the best, kept churning up as the game went on. Obviously we tried to play our football in the first half and it wasn't working for us unfortunately. Obviously they scored the goal, and then at half time we just said we're going to have to win ugly today, and turn their back 4 towards their goal, get balls in behind and try and exploit them that way. To be fair the lads took it on board and executed it in the second half and we were really pleased with what we saw. Obviously we got the two goals then we started to play a little bit as well, that's when to do it. So yeah really happy that the lads managed the pitch in the end.'

About keeping patient and waiting for the chances to come:

'I think we dominated after half time, and we just had to back our ability and get over the line and get the goals we needed to win the game. We created a lot of chances and did really well to back ourselves.'

About another win away against top 5 opposition:

'Yeah it's massive, obviously we go in the same way whether it's away at someone lower down the league or the top of the table, we go in with the same mindset and that is to win the game. As I said we executed the gameplan really well today. But obviously it's good to get the wins against the teams around you, and it could put pressure on them what we've done today and Wednesday (against Coton Green).'

Looking ahead to the Floodlit Cup final against the same side:

'I think obviously when we played them at our place, we moved the ball round really well, as obviously it was on 4G, and today it was a whole different game. Obviously when we go to Walsall the pitch will be better than what we've played on today. We've learnt they're a resilient side to be fair to them, they looked organised and are very physical as well. But if we come with our A game to the final which I hope we do, then no reason why we shouldn't win it.'

Importance of the numbers in travelling fans once again:

'Massive, they love an away day don't they! No, really important every time we're appreciative of them and hope they enjoyed it. We made hard work of it today, but we gave them 3 points and 3 goals to go home with so I hope they enjoy their evening.'

Loyiso Reccis two penalties one after the other:

'It's a big ask when a player takes two penalties in a game, the keeper tries to work out where he's going to go first time and second time, so full credit to Loyiso for keeping a cool head and backing himself to score the second one as well. They were at crucial times as well, I think before the second one they got in behind and had a one on one so it was good to keep the composure.'