Back in the saddle & looking to bounce back after a disappointing end to last season, Cringleford arrived at Easton for this first home game of the season with renewed optimism & confidence, largely thanks to the return of their star man Hucks, looking fit, fresh & ready for action after an abrupt end to last season's campaign at the hands of Quebec. (Insert pantomime Boos) Cringleford were also delighted to welcome new signing Alan Neilson. Ecky had spent weeks brushing up on his Danish only for someone to point out that it wasn’t that one!....but frankly no-one was complaining. Alan stepped in at Centre-back & within minutes it became evident that the Vets had found a new leader. Alan son-of Neil led from the back orchestrating the team through these early exchanges as if he’d been playing with us for years & with Rudi (who surprised everyone by passing his own late fitness test) formed a commanding partnership.
Cringleford controlled the game early on, patient in possession, incisive in the final 3rd. This soon paid dividend as the home side were awarded a penalty. Apparently it was blatant but it wasn’t until a few hours later in the pub I found out it was deliberate hand-ball, observant as ever. Anyway Hucks dispatched clinically. 1-0.
Next goal was a cracker & came from a familiar source. Our number 6 with electric pace down the left cut the ball back with pace for the excellent Mark Hallam who opened his body up & cracked it into the net with the right foot. Quality. 2.0.
Glen Hoddle, Michel Platini, Andrea Pirlo.....Scott Howie. The 40 yard pass from the big (will he ever just go in goal) Scotsman for the 3rd goal had the crowd purring with delight & I think one particular lady may have swooned (just in case Jules reads this...thanks for coming by the way x) The keeper seemed to hesitate for a split second which allowed new signing David Waters to nip round him & score into an empty net. 3.0.
Half-time words of wisdom were dispensed, but basically the message was “same again boys”
Ecky entered the fray after a lengthy lay off through injury & general fatigue having recently opened the coolest dive Bar in town....book now if you haven....whoops sorry. Ok so things did get a little scrappy but I’m sure this was entirely coincidental. Our talisman Mick Sanders went off with a calf injury & the team lost its composure for a while. Hempnall may well have sensed this & seriously raised their game. Rudi Hare was still admiring a mis-placed pass to Ecky ;) when the visiting striker was passed him & toe-punting passed Richie in goal to give the away side some hope. 3-1
It was short-lived.
To see Hucks in full flow is a joy to behold & in a run which took him from one side of the pitch to another beating half the Hempnall team on the way, he once again set up (should’ve had a hat-trick) Izzard whose frankly quite feeble attempt fell to the tire-less midfield dynamo Mark Hallam who once again finished in style. 4-1
Probably game over at this stage but Hempnall continued to play well & will be a strong force in this league.
However the icing on the cake was still to come.
Alan Neilson having blocked a ball with his back-side decided to continue his run & soon found himself on the edge of the box, which is a good place to be when Hucks has the ball on the left. One touch to receive & the great Dane...er Welsh wizard cooly slotted home. 5-1 & an emphatic win for Cringleford.
Honestly... I’m torn between thinking the score-line may not do justice to Hempnall’s fine performance but in reality Cringleford probably could’ve had 10.
Great league Debuts for our Doghouse recruits Hitch & Mussy, also brilliant to have Simon back in action after also being crocked at Quebec last season. Roger Hickman turned up late & missed the start (table 3’s still waiting for their pudding) but showed his usual combativeness. Mark Hallam had an immense game & deservedly won Man of the Match, narrowly beating our new star Centre-back Alan Neilson who at the end of the game walked off into the sun-set.... a hero.....empty packets of Haribos trailing behind him.
