Euxton Fail To Hold On As Nelson Complete Comeback
Today saw me revisit the Jim Fowler Memorial Ground to watch struggling Euxton take on high-flying Nelson. Nelson were looking to maintain their strong start to the season, while Euxton were hoping to fare better than in their last home game.
In overcast conditions, the game started at a frantic pace. End-to-end attacks from both teams made for good viewing, with Nelson winning a penalty in the 12th minute following a tangle of legs. Ince stepped up and made no mistake, putting the visitors 1-0 ahead.
Euxton didn't dwell on the setback, and a strong effort from number 11 Clegg brought a fine save from Thompson in the Nelson goal. However, Euxton did get their equaliser in the 15th minute. Pendlebury ghosted in from the wing unmarked and saw his first header saved, but with the keeper stranded, he made no mistake with the follow-up, rolling the ball into an empty net.
After the frantic start, the game settled down, with neither side creating any real chances until a shot from outside the box was spilled by Thompson. Pendlebury was once again on hand to follow up, making the simple task of tapping the ball in.
Euxton piled on the pressure before the break as they looked to extend their lead, but good defending and some great saves from Thompson kept Nelson in the game, with the score remaining 2-1 going into half-time.
Nelson must have had a good talking-to at half-time, as they came flying out of the blocks. Shots from Hepple and Ince were well saved by Kitchen in the Euxton goal.
Euxton were relying on counter-attacking opportunities and had a great chance through Simmons, who found himself one-on-one with the keeper but couldn't convert.
Nelson's pressure finally paid off in the 60th minute with a well-worked goal. A move that started down the right found its way to substitute Hill, who finished well into the bottom corner.
Just five minutes later, Nelson retook the lead. Once again, good play down the right resulted in Gonzalez heading home to make it 3-2 in the 65th minute.
Euxton almost drew level again after a goalmouth scramble saw the ball hit the post before bouncing clear. This proved to be the last meaningful action of the game, as Nelson managed to see out the remainder of the match and come away with a 3-2 victory.
In what was a great game of football, a draw would probably have been a fair result, as both sides played fantastically and gave it their all.
One of the biggest positives for me was that both teams looked to keep playing football. There was no rolling around, no attempts to win cheap free-kicks, and very little time-wasting. It was genuinely refreshing to see.
Overall, this was an entertaining and competitive game, with Nelson showing great character to come from behind and take all three points.
