Nantwich Town picked up their first home league win of the season as they beat inform Rushall Olympic 1-0 at the Weaver Stadium, writes Jack Jones.
The first half was a feisty affair with a Josh Hancock headed goal ruled out for offside the main talking point.
And it was a wonder strike from Dabbers forward Ryan Brooke that lit up the contest in the 66th minute, and proved to be the winner.
The Dabbers then held on against a strong Pics team to pick up three points.
The first chance for either side came in the fourth minute as Cooke was felled 25 yards from goal. He hit a curling effort just wide of Veiga’s goal.
Diop then forced Parton into a comfortable save at the other end as both teams looked to get forward and create chances.
Diop and Reid were causing problems, but the Dabbers defence was working hard to keep them quiet.
The Dabbers then came close to the opener as Ben Harrison cleverly back-heeled the ball towards goal after a corner had dropped to him in the box.
It was scrambled off the line before Dave Walker hit the rebound into the side netting.
Cooke then forced Veiga into a smart save down to his left as the Dabbers started to get on top.
Rushall’s Marlon Walters was the first player in the book as he clattered into Cooke from behind.
Diop did well to hold the ball up, cut inside to the right of goal and curled an effort off the foot of the post.
It was the away side’s best chance of the game.
The Dabbers then thought they had the lead when Cooke put in Brooke down the right wing.
He curled in a great ball to Hancock, who headed past Veiga from close range.
The linesman’s flag ruled the goal out, much to the frustration of the home supporters.
After the break, Rushall had the ball in the net early in the second half, but the ref had blown up for a foul on Parton in the build up.
Luke Bottomer then hit the woodwork for the second time for the Pics, as he glided into the penalty area before cannoning a shot back off the upright.
Mikael Partodirkromo then shot just wide as Rushall pushed for the first goal of the game.
With 25 minutes to go, the game was brought to life with a superb finish from Brooke.
Good work on the left saw Sam Hall play the ball to Brooke.
He cut inside and hit a dipping 25-yard effort into the top corner, giving Veiga no chance.
Rushall looked to hit back to protect their six-game unbeaten run.
Diop held the ball up in the box before skewing a shot well wide.
Both sides made changes as the game approached the final 10 minutes, with the Dabbers replacing the excellent Hancock and the hard working Wayne Riley with Theo Stair and Osebi Abadaki.
The Dabbers kept looking for the second goal on the counter attack and Cooke saw a deflected effort go wide.
The Pics then threw everything at the Dabbers as they searched for an equaliser.
Nantwich kept their opponents at bay, making a number of crucial blocks and clearances.
Parton also made some timely catches, punches and kicks to help ease the pressure.
Parton’s bravery saw him caught by Henry Eze as they collided going for a long ball, but he was ok to continue.
The Pics had one great chance to equalise late on when Jazz Luckie found space on the edge of the area, but he skied a volley well over.
The Dabbers held firm to record a vital three points.
Nantwich Town: Dave Parton, Andy White, Curtis Jones, Ben Harrison, Ibou Touray, Wayne Riley (77, Tim Sanders), Sam Hall(c), Ryan Brooke, Sean Cooke, Josh Hancock (75, Osebi Abadaki), Dave Walker (61, Theo Stair). Subs not used: Reece Quinn (gk), Troy Bourne
(pics courtesy of Jonathan White)
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