Town maintain League lead with emphatic victory at Castle Vale Stadium: Match report - Paget 2 - NTFC
Match report by Owen Jephcote
Nuneaton Town reinforced their position at the top of the table with a commanding 2-6 victory over bottom-placed Paget Rangers. A dominant first-half display all but secured the three points, with Nuneaton racing into a three-goal lead before the interval.
First Half: Nuneaton Take Complete Control
The visitors asserted their authority early on, with Callum Carsley opening the scoring in the 27th minute. The full-back struck a superb effort from the edge of the box, rifling the ball into the top corner with precision.
Just two minutes later, Nuneaton doubled their advantage when James Harrison delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area which found its way into the net. After much discussion it was deemed that the goal was scored by Declan Somel.
The league leaders continued to dominate proceedings, and in the 35th minute, Cody Mullan extended the lead to 3-0 with a long-range strike that left the goalkeeper with no chance.
Nuneaton nearly increased their lead further before half-time, with Carsley once again involved. His delivery into the area caused chaos, but the Paget goalkeeper managed to make an instinctive save to prevent a fourth goal.
As the half-time whistle sounded, the outcome of the match already appeared inevitable, with Nuneaton in complete control.
Second Half: Paget Show Spirit, but Nuneaton Finish Strongly
Managerial changes at the interval saw Somel and Harrison replaced by Danico Johnson and Callum Thorpe, but Nuneaton’s dominance continued. However, Paget showed some signs of improvement and in the 54th minute, their No. 8 registered a rare effort on target, though his tame shot was comfortably gathered by Brandon Bache.
A minute later, Carsley turned provider, delivering an excellent cross into the box for Gardner, who could only head over from close range.
Paget did manage to pull a goal back in the 55th minute, with their No. 10 scoring a stunning long-range effort that left the goalkeeper rooted to the spot. However, any hopes of a comeback were swiftly extinguished as Nuneaton reasserted their control, adding further goals to complete an emphatic victory.
Another double substitution for Town saw Gardner and Mullan make way for Justin Marsden and Aaron Williams.
Callum Carsley once again got involved in the buildup to a goal squaring the ball across the face of goal for James Spruce to turn in making it 4-1.
With ten minutes left to play Town added a fifth goal after Danico Johnson unselfishly passes to Marsden to tap home.
Paget managed to better their goal scoring from the first game of the season by one after a poor defensive display from a free-kick allowed the Rangers number 8 to slot the ball in from a rebound.
The final goal of the match came through Danico Johnson after he cleverly took the ball round the goalkeeper after holding off numerous defenders before scoring Town’s sixth.
A Memorable Debut for Jake Lamb
A major positive for Nuneaton was the assured debut performance of Jake Lamb, who deputised at centre-back in place of the suspended Dominic Perkins. Lamb looked composed throughout, helping to marshal the defence and ensuring his side remained in command of the contest.
Final Thoughts
This resounding victory ensures Nuneaton maintain their position at the summit of the table as they continue their push for the league title. Meanwhile, Paget Rangers remain rooted to the bottom, with defensive vulnerabilities once again proving costly.
Nuneaton will now turn their attention to their next fixture as they welcome AFC Bridgnorth to The Oval on Saturday 8th February where they will look to continue their excellent form.
Full-Time: Paget Rangers 2-6 Nuneaton Town
