'It’ll make people look and take notice’ - Anstey Nomads boss on 6-0 thrashing of title rivals

The 39-year-old also donned the goalkeeper gloves once more, coming out of retirement momentarily to replace Anthony Nunez, who is away on international duty with the Dominican Republic.

While Logan admits it “wasn’t planned”, he was able to enjoy a relatively stress-free evening, which saw his side score three goals to the good and with a man advantage inside 20 minutes, en route to a big win.

“We were trying to get someone signed, the deadline had gone, we were waiting for some paperwork to come through that didn’t, so I chucked a bag in the car on the way up,” he told the NPL.

“I had an idea that if it didn’t go through, it might happen, so I just cracked on with it and did the best I could. It was nice to be back playing with the lads again, and it’s always nice as a goalkeeper when you don’t have a lot to do, so it was perfect really.”

The win avenged a 2-0 defeat at the Marks Electrical Arena earlier this month, and ensured that Carlton didn’t go as many as 11 points clear of Nomads in their tussle for the title. 

With six games remaining, bridging a five-point gap appears a lot more achievable for Anstey, especially given that Carlton have now lost back-to-back games. 

But Logan acknowledges that nothing is in their hands, and a strong finish into a possible play-off tie is the least his side can do from hereon in.

He added: “Obviously, it’s a lot closer than what it was, but if I’m honest with you, after we played them at home and they beat us 2-0 to make it 11 points or more after that, it was theirs to lose.

“All I asked our lads was to have good form, try and win as many games as we can, be positive, and if we’re in the play-offs, then we’re going in with good form.

“If Carlton do slip up, we have to make sure we take advantage. We did that on Saturday when they lost, and we beat them on Tuesday night.

“So it’s still in their hands, but we’re picking up a lot of points. It can be a funny old game.”

Nomads have their play-off spot secured now, and if they do end up falling short of Carlton, wins of this nature would certainly see them head into the post-season as favourites, if they weren’t already.

“One game won’t make or break our season, but obviously, having a result like that will probably make people look and take notice,” Logan admitted.

“It’s been a very good season, and we’re in good form. So if we can continue that and roll into the play-offs positive and winning games, then it will stand us in good stead.”

Anstey have now won five straight matches, and seven of their last eight. They host third-placed Basford United on Saturday, and a win would see them mathematically unable to finish below the former Premier Division side.