Five-star NMO through in Robbins Cup

DESPITE all local football being postponed last Saturday, the Fawcett Field pitch was good enough on Sunday for NMO to produce a cracking performance against Wakanda in the Robbins Cup.

Wakanda had proved to be a very capable side in Division 1 this season and they made their intent clear, chasing everything from the start and not letting the home side settle. But once it became obvious NMO were in a game, they responded with a top-quality battling performance.

Against the run of play NMO took the lead when James Jose converted a penalty after being barged over in the area. Soon after Mitchell Speechley-Price doubled NMO’s advantage from just outside the box.

Noel McCarthy-Gardiner could have added a further two if it hadn’t been for the reflexes of the Wakanda keeper.

NMO profited as Wakanda failed to make any impression in the second period. Veteran Ashley Booker, Lee Baxter and young Ed Warland worked overtime in midfield to make sure Wakanda couldn’t get back in the game.

Speechley-Price scored a second after ghosting pass several defenders. Then Jose and Speechley-Price combined to put McCarthy Gardiner clear for a fourth before James added a fifth goal.

At 5-0 up NMO decided to bring on all of their five subs allowing Wakanda two consolation goals.

In the last few minutes Liam Roberts received a yellow for a reckless challenge as his defence finally cracked.

NMO Man of the match was Josh Borrowdale.

NM: Borrowdale, Dell (Anderson), Hillyar, Booker (Church), Cole, Roberts, Baxter, Speechley-Price (Stevens), Jose, McCarthy Gardiner (Millward), Warland (Gale).