Honours even after first leg

In Nostell’s eyes, it was mission accomplished.

However, it’s doubtful Scarborough saw it that way.

The visitors may have had the lion’s share of possession.

But Nostell’s game-plan proved effective enough to stifle almost all of their opponent’s opportunities.

After much anticipation ahead of last night’s President’s Cup final, there was always the nagging doubt that the game would never live up to its billing.

And that’s pretty much how it played out.

With nearly 400 people crammed into Middle Lane both the atmosphere and the game were frenetic and anxious.

The Scarborough fans congregated behind Nostell’s goal in both halves disputing almost every refereeing decision.

Miners, for their part, gave them something to moan about whenever the opportunity arose.

And it certainly wasn’t for the faint-hearted.

With tackles flying in thick and fast, Nostell’s performance was in total contrast to Tuesday night’s showing at Bridlington.

Brid proved to be a much better footballing side than Scarborough.

But without the pressure of playing for silverware, Welfare’s approach on that occasion was much more free-flowing and satisfying.

Against the Seadogs, they resorted to the age-old formula of swinging a boot wildly at every loose ball.

Which, while it can be effective, is largely frustrating and unsatisfying.

Nostell’s midfield was totally by-passed and generally it was backs-to-the-wall as the home side sat deeper and deeper.

It was no surprise then when ‘Boro took the lead on 31 minutes through Daniel Gray.

The Scarborough frontman slammed the ball past Sam Dobbs from close-range amid some slack marking to send the travelling faithful delirious.

But Miners remained resolute.

And to their credit, they didn’t let the away fans' taunts put them off their stride.

Whilst they barely strung more than two passes together, on set pieces they were always dangerous.

And just five minutes later, Craig Stephen’s in-swinging free-kick brought the desired result.

Nostell’s top scorer sent the ball into a sea of players and inexplicably, Scarborough centre-back James Waltham strangely and at speed, headed into his own net.

One apiece before half-time, and that’s how it remained.

Athletic could quite easily have taken a two-goal cushion into the second-leg on April 28th after the break.

But they were denied by at least two spectacular shot-stops from Sam Dobbs in the Nostell goal.

At the other end, they rarely threatened.

But at least they now have a measure of what to expect when they head out east in just over a week’s time.

Hopefully then, they will be confident enough to play Scarborough at their own game and pass the ball around as we know they can.