City announced
themselves as genuine title contenders with a hard fought
victory against the table toppers and ended Nuneaton's
100% win record. Rosenior was forced to reshuffle the
squad with Mainwaring out and Hemmings also failing a
late fitness test on his hamstring. In came Tom Rutter
for his first start while Fergusson reclaimed his spot at
the back, Wyatt switching to the left flank and allowing
Holloway to take the right wingback spot.
Nuneaton brought a
large away following whose understandable early
enthusiasm was in stark contrast to a slumbering T-End.
However from the early exchanges it was clear City were
up for this match, Tucker and Burns putting in early challenges to set the tone for a bruising encounter. The
first chance fell to City as Wyatt's cross set Mings
away, but Rutter's eventual shot was charged down by a
Borough defence that appeared less than rock solid.
This defensive
frailty was again exposed when Burns emerged from a
midfield scrap to send a ball over the top of a flat
footed Nuneaton back line. Mings charged onto the ball
but as he bore down on goal he lost his footing and the
chance appeared lost. However Mingsy was able to prod the
ball into the path of Andy Tucker who calmly slotted in
the crucial goal.
With the T-End now
inspired into some sort of life the game became a
frenetic midfield battle. The Nuneaton side weren't
allowed to settle with City harrying and scrapping for
every bit of possession. While Gary Thorne was marshalling
Borough danger man Malcolm Christie with ease City almost
extended their lead as Burns shot clipped the crossbar.
As the midfield
battle became more crowded the match threatened to boil
over. City fans found an old friend in Borough winger
Richie Williams whose spiteful attentions had led to
Keeling's dismissal at Bromsgrove last season. His
presence added some zest to an already heated encounter.
Wyatt was lucky to escape a booking after a tussle and
then Holloway was cautioned after an altercation with
Statham. Both managers were glad to get their sides in at
half-time before any further problems occoured.
City looked more
assured in the second period as Nuneaton were forced to
chase the game. Rutter continued to pressure a vulnerable
Borough defence and was unfortunate not to benefit as
twice he nicked possession in dangerous positions. His
cross was cut out by Nuneaton and then minutes later he
chose to release Wyatt on the left when a long shot
seemed promising. Wyatt however did have a dig with a
curling dipping effort that forced a good save from
Williams in the Nuneaton goal.
As Borough chased
the game Rosenior sent on Steadman for the more attacking
Wyatt and also sent Keeling on as a fresh pair of legs to
keep the Midlanders occupied with their defence. With Borough desperate to retain their unbeaten record City
withstood some late pressure and Mokler forced to beat
out a long range shot. However the Gloucester defence
stood firm and held on for a famous victory that renewed
the belief of all at Meadow Park.
City will have to
maintain this form as their next fixture is a visit to
second place Hastings where a draw will be seen as a
point gained...
Mokler
