A couple of points: Firstly, when is the Colchester to Horsford bypass being built because frankly, nightmare journey doesn’t come close. Secondly, who kidnapped the Ref & replaced him with some kind of Norman Wisdom/Frank Spencer clone. I don’t mean to be cruel (in case he reads this) & he seems like a nice chap but the only thing missing from his performance was a Benny Hill sound-track.
Away at Horsford is always a tough fixture, strong physical side with pace & aggression so Cringleford knew they would have to work hard for a result here. A decent crowd had turned up, possibly to witness the much anticipated debut of Matt Gill in Centre-Midfield, or maybe even to watch the rampaging Huckerby tearing down the left wing….but more than likely it was in the hope of catching a glimpse of the French magician, slowly easing his way back into contention.
The early exchanges are a bit of a blur….mainly because I wasn’t there; I was stuck behind a learner & an 80 year old lady driver on the Ipswich road. By all accounts we controlled the game, Gilly bringing composure & quality to our midfield, Mark Hallam as industrious as ever, & even trying a speculative 35 yard long shot, easily caught by the keeper & richly applauded by his new midfield partner Gilly :)
Hucks was creating havoc down the left wing, & once again getting special treatment from the Home side. Fortunately he is used to it & to be fair when he’s in the mood, in terms of stopping him, the options are limited. That’s where the first goal came from. Hucks down the left served Mark Hallam on a plate & who knew Cringleford would be getting such a prolific goal-scorer as well as a midfield dynamo. 0-1.
Horsford were dangerous late in the first half & broke away a couple of times. Goal-keeper Richie Anderson was as ever imperious in one on ones & the excellent Jon Taylor made vital interceptions. Mussy made what can only be described as a miraculous intervention on the far post to prevent what seemed like an almost certain goal…..ahem…..half-time.
After a decent first half & pretty lucky to have not conceded, Cringleford attacked the 2nd half with renewed purpose. Mark Dennis was absolute quality at the back once again, few players read the game as well as he, even though the bench had to run on occasionally with an oil-can to ease the Tin-man’s aching joints. The second goal soon arrived. Hucks feeding David Waters who has been outstanding since joining us this season, Dave finished in style. 0-2 to Cringleford.
The crowd were getting restless, there came a cry of “bring on the Frenchman”, a few started humming The Marseillaise…meanwhile having realised he hadn’t been booked in a while Roger decided to swear at the Ref for having criticised his crème brulée on a recent visit…to be honest I’ve no idea why Roger got booked but that’s a good a reason as any. Roger made way for Ecky & soon after, a nice combination with Hucks brought about the 3rd goal, Hucks from the by-line setting up Ecky for a shot well parried by the keeper only for David Waters to sneak in the rebound. A brace for Dave & some dispute in the Bar after on what counts as an assist, but as Ecky was the last player to touch the ball before the scorer, there really is nothing to discuss. 0-3 to Cringleford, assist for the Frenchman & pretty much Game over.
No questioning the provider for the 4th & final goal as after some innovative tricks on the left Ecky slipped the ball to Mark Hallam who with Gilly’s words “He’s not gonna shoot again is he” ringing in his ears, scored the goal of the game curling the ball into the corner of the net with the outside of the right boot. 0-4 & a fine win for the away side.
Cringleford had to be resilient & showed real quality to beat this Horsford Team who look strong enough to compete for a top spot this season. Brilliant debut for Gilly, Hucks class as usual, Man of the match performance from Jon Taylor & big respect to Richard Anderson who never shows as much enthusiasm as when he’s organising a p***-up.
Cheers lads & easy on the Mojitos!!!
