This “Manager’s” (for want of a better word) life is beginning to increasingly resemble a never-ending episode of “Some mothers do av ‘em.” ....and today was no different. Arriving late to witness the players already on the pitch being roused into action by a stirring, Iwan Roberts team talk, Ecky, joined by yet another couple of star signings Adrian Forbes & “Fonzie” Hubbard, dashed to the dressing room for a quick change..... 3 went in but only 2 came out…..as Limon dared to dither in the toilets for a minute & as a result was punished by being locked in the changing rooms (the opposition had clearly identified the Danger Man!). Some shouting, swearing & banging was eventually followed by a light bulb moment & after a quick phone call Ecky was finally set free thanks to a big Yorkshireman.
By this time it was already 2-1 to Cringleford. An early headed goal from the powerful home side was quickly replied by a classic Huckerby cross, Roberts header combination…….grown men were seen weeping with nostalgic joy….apparently…(I’m still in the changing room)
As the changing room doors finally opened, a red-faced & sweating Frenchman emerged to jubilant cries of Joy. “What a reception!” he briefly thought & prepared to milk the applause until he realised the cheers were because Hucks had just cracked one in off the crossbar. 2-1 to Cringleford.
The first concern was to get Forbsey on the pitch as soon as possible & with youth on his side it was decided that in Centre midfield he’d have the legs to help out the old timers. He didn’t dissapoint. A bustling ball of energy, agility & endeavour, he won everthing in the air, springing to outjump the tallest of their players, ruthless in the tackle & top quality on the ball. A joy to watch.
It soon became evident ( after about 30 seconds) that the best tactic was to feed Huckerby on the left & the 3rd goal soon came. He recieved the ball wide, measured up the full-back, teasing him like a leopard on the hunt ready to pounce, and with a frightening change of pace Hucks was round his man, on the by-line, whipping the ball into the far corner of the net from an impossible angle.....it was so good that the crowd's reaction was mainly laughter. 3-1 to Cringleford.
Moments later Hucks struck again, same scenario only this time all the defender could do in desperation was to bring him down in the area. Penalty! Everyone expected Hucks to take it but a nod, a wink, & the promise of an extra helping of treacle tart on his next visit meant that Super-Chef Hickman cooly dispatched from the spot. 4-1 to Cringleford.
In the meantime Ecky entered the fray, got taken out, got palpitations...and went off.
Second half was a different story. It is testament to how much of a good team Quebec are that Cringleford felt that they really needed a fifth goal to wrap things up. Unfortunately Hucks seemed so intent on this that his constant sprinting eventually took it’s toll on his ham-string & he was forced off fairly early on in the second half. There was a palpable sense from both sides that this could be a turning point...and it nearly was. Quebec began to press, harass, contest every decision, turning up aggression levels to 11 & eventually got the goal that they probably deserved & that was to give them some hope....2-4.
Cometh the Hour, cometh the BFW, Iwan Roberts’s experience was vital at this point as recognising this change of momentum he stepped into the centre of midfield to steady the ship as Cringleford looked to hold the result whilst releasing Hickman, Forbsey & Hubbard on the break. Cringleford having shown their class now had to show they could battle, defending a barrage of Quebec crosses & pressure. On the break Roger should have probably sealed it sliding in from close range. There was a heart-stopping moment at the other end as a header from the Home side seemed to dissappear under Richie the Keeper’s body only for him to emerge thakfully with it in his arms. The final whistle came as a relief both to Cringleford & also probably the Ref who had Quebec’s protests still ringing in his ears.
A famous win then for Cringleford against a very good Quebec side who had not lost a League game in a very long time. Huckerby’s class was stamped all over this game, but equally this win would have been tricky without Forbsey & Iwan. Also, strong performances once again from Rudi & Ben Potter.
Cringleford have big tests ahead & will need to show that they can win without Star signings...........St Faith’s next......
