Nelson Cavaliers seconds lost 3-2 against Talbot Green on Saturday January 24 in the Taff Ely and Rhymney Valley League 1.
Nelson were looking forward to this home tie as they looked to avenge the loss earlier in the season.The match started well for the home side with some nice football.There was a quick understanding between the new midfield of Tec, Nathan and Gareth as they played some nice simple passes between them.
This laid the foundation for the strike partnership of Ryan and Kelvyn to feed off plenty of service and the two were also instantly combining well and chances came but the end product was escaping the home side.
This was the story of the first half as Talbot struggled to gain possession and the few times they did they found a solid wall of Malo, Joe and a returning Dan Ryan after a lengthy lay off.
The defence coped well. As the half progressed there was to be a huge impact on proceedings from Jamie who was suddenly running up and down the left hand side to great effect. Daniel in goals was merely a spectator.
Half time came and unbelievably it was 0-0. Nelson had been dominant and played well but the lack of converted chances would come back to haunt them.
The second half-began well as more chances came before Joe got caught in possession and Talbot broke away and scored to take an unlikely lead.
Nelson seemed to go into shock and switched off for a few minutes.Talbot jumped on their chance, crossed the ball in and Daniel mishandled it for 2-0.
Nelson couldn’t believe this was happening.Then a free kick rebounded off the bar and fell straight to the forward to tap in for 3-0.
Changes were made to shape and personnel as JP, Jake and Martin were brought on. Nelson suddenly woke back up and JP had a chance instantly but the keeper made a great save.
Then Kelvyn went through and calmly placed it in the corner. Following a set piece Joe popped up and finished calmly to reduce the deficit.
The momentum was back and it was a wave of attacks with Keenen orchestrating a lot from the right. Malo, Kelvyn and Jake all came close but it wasn’t to be and it finished 3-2.