In a contest between two expatriate-dominated teams, Sofia Nomads beat Bansko Wanderers 5:1 on April 19 in a match played at the National Sport Academy pitch in Sofia.

It was with a sense of great anticipation that the Sofia Nomads -- Bansko Wanderers friendly football return match was held.

The game was played at the main NSA Pitch 1 after a last minute change of venue, an immaculate pitch for the players but an open stadium for the poor wind-swept supporters.

The two teams previously faced each other on October 20 2007 in a cold wet day at the Bansko main stadium, playing to an entertaining 2:2 draw.

The Sofia Nomads club has grown since the last meeting of the teams to such an extent that the Italian Nomads coach, Alessandro Capello, had to pick a squad of 15 players from a list of 25 people wanting to play. Sometimes it's hard to be both popular and a coach.

The Nomads got off to a flying start in front of their home crowd, pressing the Bansko team back into defending deep in their own half, with a few close chances and fine saves from Bansko goalkeeper Warren Catchall in the first 20 minutes. Then a long ball counter attack and a fine direct run from Bansko winger, Andrew Brown, ending with a powerful shot beyond the outstretched arm of Nomads goalkeeper Mark Thomas into the bottom corner of the Nomads goal, meant Nomads 0, Bansko Wanderers 1.

Frustrated at falling behind, the Nomads team rallied strongly, again pressing forward with some fine passing moves between outstanding Nomads defence and midfield, desperate for an equaliser before half time. Fifteen minutes before the break and Nomads' skilful midfielder, Paul Mascaro, fired an unstoppable 35-yard shot over the keeper to level the scores 1:1.

Nomads then seized the initiative and made use of their extra players to make some tactical substitutions to press home their advantage. Some excellent work in midfield supplied the strikers and Nomads "super" striker Kevin Kerwin scored two poachers goals before the break to leave the half time score at Nomads 3, Wanderers 1.

During the second half, the wind became increasingly strong, disrupting the passing of both teams. The wind played its part in the Nomads' fourth goal, cruelly deceiving the Bansko goalkeeper in the air to leave Nomad Joro with an easy tap in from six yards.

Nomads kept the pressure on till the end of the game and in the final 10 minutes, Kerwin completed his hat-trick with another fine poachers goal finding the back of the net with a difficult half-volley from inside the penalty area.

A further re-match is scheduled for Bansko in the near future.

Final Result: Sofia Nomads 5, Bansko Wanderers 1
Sofia Nomads Man of the Match: Veteran striker Kevin Kerwin.
Bansko Wanderers Man of the Match: Andrew Brown.