In a game that has long since passed.
From a football perspective Cringleford had the lion's share of the play in the first half and despite Taverham having several chances Cringleford found themselves two nil up at half-time thanks to strikes from Wilson and Taylor. Wilson's was a sublime trade mark free kick in the top corner and Taylor's a well taken goal when through with the keeper to beat.
In the second half Taverham threw everything at Cringleford including a referee who seemed well versed in the handbook but had little ability to apply that knowledge. Having said that Taverham's first was a well worked goal when the usually dependable Shaul and Dennis were undone and the header beat Alan. The second was a penalty given away by the rapidly becoming less dependable Phil Shaul and the third was a defflection off Wilson. Amidst cries of just blow the bloody whistle ref it's cold, we don't care if they've won, one man stood tall! He bravely went where no man dared to go, well except Kevin Taylor because as the two of them tussled to jointly control the goal kick, Nick Skipper had one thing on his mind (well beside his food review). And with precision only seen when Tiger Woods is on the golf course he swung his right boot with full force. Now unlike Tiger, this shot did not go straight down the middle of the fairway, in fact it had a wicked spin on it that had GOAL written on it....all the way. The 'keeper was stranded in no man's land as the ball ballooned over his head. Now most goals are greeted with cheers, applause, players hugging, high fives, or fancy celebrations. In 40 years of football this is the first goal I have heard celebrated by collective laughter by his team mates.
There was just about enough time for the referee to blow the final whistle and everyone disappear down the pub.
Whilst no moment could top Nicks, there were some other moments that should be consigned to the history books.
Mark Dennis who turned up late because of traffic and tractors on the A17 - As if that's something new??
Phil Shaul who gave a way a penalty and in addition cynically pushed the Taverham forward over when he was clean through in an attempt to take Sharred's crown as dirtiest player.
George Wilson's free kick. At half time, it was a 20 yards out, by full-time it was 25 yards and when we were in the pub it was a screamer from the best part of 40 yards.
Ian Bartlett who went to great lengths to point out to the opposition that at 3-2 down we couldn't give a shit about the scoreline as we had already secured second place in the League
Kevin Taylor - when clean through with only the 'keeper to beat he went for the Mexican Stand-off Approach and tried to outstare the 'keeper. When he realised neither of them were going to make a move and the defenders were closing in on him he decided to smack it against the keeper and watch it cruelly trickle over the line.
The great save by Alan. When the ball deflected off Phil towards the top corner only for Alan to claw it out. Even the opposition were claiming it as save of the season.
Masood who decided not to play and top his tan up on the sidelines instead.
To all the team who suddenly realised what it must be like to be bombarded by Rory Delap long throw-ins!
