Cringleford went into this fixture full of confidence after a convincing 5 - 1 friendly win against CNS, with impressive displays by all the new arrivals, bringing a much needed injection of youth and quality to the tired old bones of the Cringleford old guard.
The green army looked comfortable early on with the inaugural Dennis - Nichols Centre-back partnership looking reassuringly solid and composed. This does not mean of course that we are quick to forget our Captain fantasic Phil Shaul who will always have a place in the team and in our hearts. (Just in case your reading this Phil.) Ecky, back playing once again after an extended lay off with an aggravated ear-lobe injury, had a couple of great chances early on when through on goal and blames the unusual weightiness of the ball for both feeble efforts. The deserved first goal came as cool cat Fairman rounded the Keeper and slotted home. 0-1
The Eagles rarely looked dangerous but scored with a rare attack as The Vets failed to clear a headed effort leaving a simple tap in for the home team. 1-1. Encouraged by this, the Eagles stepped up a gear and the game began to get more scrappy which seemed to suit the home side. Some niggly behaviour between Bartlett and their left-midfielder lead to a nasty off the ball stamp on our beloved chairman who had had the cheek to question the Eagles player's drinking habits. A smash on the nose saw off Ecky Le Conkerer shortly before half-time. Some great perfomances in the first half included the combatative Dave Sharred, the tireless running of Ben Potter, a promising midfield partnership of Scott and Karl Izzard, a growing frontline understanding between Richard and Shane. A special mention though to the heroic Kevin Taylor, stepping reluctantly into the lion's den between the sticks and displaying Gladitorial bravery.
The second half saw the game becoming more open but still fairly scrappy. However the Fairman - Shane partnership was showing encouraging signs as the boys began to find each other more and more. Richard Fairman once again showed that he will be the one to beat in the top goalscoring charts with a great finish to put the away side 1-2 up. Cringleford really should have wrapped this game up but conceded again from a corner. A headed goal from a player nick-named "Stumpy" pretty much says it all! 2-2
Shane Dewing up front was begining to play with increasing confidence and soon got a deserved goal, tapping in from a goal-mouth scramble. 2-3
The Vets went on to justifiably win the game but only thanks to a couple of great pieces of play by Kevin in goal, thwarting the opposition in two one on one situations.
A great win for Cringlefords first game with promising displays all round. The team showed great energy, resilience and early signs of an attractive style of play. However, tougher prospects lie ahead.
