For the first season of their three year history, Cringleford decided to start faster than Usain Bolt out of the blocks. With a place in the Senior's Cup Final secured and one eye on the Final, it almost seemed as though a game against their old rivals Attleborough (who they have never beaten) would be a distraction. But the presence of ex-professional Howie injected a degree of professionalism into the team and a fine display saw them cruise to a three nil win.
With Dennis injured it was time for another reshuffle at the back with Fairman and Shaul forming the centre-back partnership and Howie slotted into the midfield vacated by Wilson who "had a better offer".
Cringleford dominated the first half with the slope and with the wind and Attleborough hardly ventured into the Cringleford half and when they did they found the back four firmly shut. Cringleford had numerous corners and several chances, but failed to make their advantage pay until Huw Payne chased a lost cause and won what was to prove a valuable throw. Ecky, up for the much coveted Quote Of The Year trophy, reminding us that he was the one who said "every tackle, wherever on the field, will count!" Ian Bartlett expertly delivered the throw to the feet of Mike Pyne who turned his man, raced along the line and made a bee-line for the goal, driving home hard and low from the narrowest of angles.
Surprisingly Cringleford failed to capitalise further on their first half dominance despite Fez replacing the palpitating Ecky and Nick coming on for Huw who had to succumb to a twisted ankle.
As anticipated, with the wind and the hill, Attleborough threw the proverbial kitchen sink at Cringleford. Attleborough probed but failed to penetrate as the back four held firm. However, when they did breach the defence they found Olly the Goalie in top form. Olly (MOTM) faced with a one on one, forced the attacker into shooting into the side netting, when a superb shot curled towards the top corner he expertly tipped the ball over the crossbar and when it appeared he was beaten at his near post, he clawed the ball away at full stretch.
The game was finely balanced and you felt that the next team to score would be the winner. Kevin missed a good headed chance to put the game beyond reach, as did Mike Pyne when Nick found him with a pinpoint cross and Scott skewed a shot wide. Had Cringleford squandered their chance? Well you know the answer, as you know the score from the headline!
Pyne-o supplied the lively Ecky whose heart missed a beat as he juggled the ball up and volleyed it in the corner of the net a la Cantona against Spurs (so I am told.....by Ecky).
With the game fimly won, there was time for Scott Howie to fire in low from Ecky's corner to put proceedings beyond doubt.
The goal knocked the wind out of Attleborough and Ecky's ticker and he was replaced by Fez who immediately found himself in a goalscoring position only for Pyne-o to fail to slide him in.
A clinical performance led to much merriment in the showers as Dave Sharred washed everyone in paint stripper much to his own amusement. No wonder he gets booed by his team mates!
