Opening Day Delight for Travelling Town against Ten-Man Swans - Match Report: Newport Pagnell Town 0-1 Nuneaton Town
Match Report by George Kirk
Nuneaton Town kick-started their season, with a hard fought opening day victory away at Newport Pagnell Town.
Loyiso Recci’s early first half header secured all three points for the Town, with the Swans being the makers of their own downfall with a poor penalty saved and a second half red card, helping Nuneaton hold on.
Despite a shaky pre-season, Nuneaton more than held their own on the day, and showed their ability to compete at this level, with James Harrison standing out with a high quality performance, as well as Brandon Bache, who showed his heroics in the Town goal on multiple occasions.
Kick Off
The game began with the travelling Town faithful fearing a repeat of pre-season, as Brandon Bache was sprang into action, with two big saves, the first being parried down low, and the second being even better, stopping a strike from inside the box with his feet.
After an early scare, Nuneaton would re-find their spark that won them the league last season, when in the 18th minute, Loyiso Recci towered highest to nod in Town’s first goal of the season.
This seemed to settle some early nerves, with the visitors looking way more confident in possession.
However, all was thrown into jeopardy in the 33rd minute, when the Swans were awarded a penalty. Thankful for Brandon Bache, Pagnell’s number nine didn’t have his shooting boots on, rolling straight down the middle, giving the shot stopper a simple save.
There was a late chance for the Town to double before the break, with new signing Kyle Jardine smashing towards goal off an indirect free kick, being matched by a terrific save by the keeper.
Half Time: Newport Pagnell Town 0-1 Nuneaton Town
In the second half, Nuneaton continued to apply pressure, with Charlie Jones coming close, as his attempt was tipped just round the post.
Newport were handed a huge blow in the 56th minute when Kyle Jardine was brought down on his way to goal by the last man, putting them down to ten-men for the remainder of the game.
Despite the man advantage, the Swans made Nuneaton work hard for the result, with Jones, Jardine and Corey Currithers all booked in the second half.
A scrappy end to the game, where Town were able to hang on, a huge confidence boost for the boys in blue and white against well respected opposition.
Full Time: Newport Pagnell Town 0-1 Nuneaton Town
MOTM picked by an away supporter: James Harrison
Team: Brandon Bache, Kai Thomas, Callum Carsley, Loyiso Recci, Corey Currithers © (Y 90+1), Ben Whitehead-Thompson, Declan Somel (Williams 62’), James Spruce (Sawyers 65’), Kyle Jardine (Y 89’), James Harrison, (Crossley 80’) Charlie Jones (Y 61’)
Substitutes: Dante Hesson, Trevor Edwards, Aaron Williams, Eesa Sawyers, Josh Crossley
Attendance: 387
Next-up:
Nuneaton Town now prepare for their return to The Oval for their first home league game of the season, as they welcome GNG Oadby Town on Tuesday 29th July 7:45PM Kick Off.
