It was garage sale day in Cringleford. An atmosphere of goodwill and generous community spirit pervaded the streets of the peaceful, sun-drenched village, with locals off-loading unwanted items at rock bottom prices. A possible exception was the Bird household whose front garden resembled Camden market with Fez displaying the kind of hard bargaining which would have impressed Alan Sugar. Consequently there were a few late arrivals at rendez-vous time. Ecky was slightly late having had to close a big deal on some fairy lights, Ian Bartlett wasn't allowed to leave until he had sold all of his impressively extensive Barbie collection, and Fez only managed to make the second half having spent an unnecessary amount of time screwing an extra 50p out of an 8 year old for an action man.
So to the Football. An unusually hot day for late September saw the vets start somewhat languidly, taking time to focus on the job in hand. Bartlett was heard attempting to sell a pink Barbie wardrobe and tea-set to a Wymondham forward, who very politely declined the offer and shot wide. Cringleford never really looked in trouble in this game with an imperious Shaul clearing the lines with his usual gusto, showing no signs of Aquathalon fatigue. The vets however seemed to grow increasingly nervy with the failure to capitalise on all their early possession. A new centre-midfield partnership was showing good promise as Scott continued as ever to work tirelessly and play tidily and Gavin (don't tell 'em your name Pike!) Brochet looked increasingly dangerous going forward. It was Gavin who broke the deadlock with a long range effort which seemed to be eased into the net by the limp wristed keeper. One-nil to the away side at half-time.
Not much needed to be said at half-time with players recognising the need to perhaps up the tempo and dismissing any interest in a Barbie horse and pink carriage, even with a Barbie Spring collection range of clothing thrown in!
The Vets began the 2nd half much stronger and Huw Payne soon increased the lead with a gloriously flighted shot into the top corner. Gavin Brochet added a third and his second with a well taken shot which really should have put the game to bed. With things looking fairly comfortable Aquaman decided that it was safe enough for him to retire home and attempt to claw back his already dwindling Brownie points. This coincided with the arrival of a smiling Fez, whose entrepreneurial exertions had funded a new roof and a family holiday to Mauritius......oh and £7.50 for the school!
Cringleford took some time to settle following Phil's departure and Wymondham quickly pulled a goal back. There was a large suspicion of off-side as the forward raced through on goal but Bartlett, now acting as linesman and furious at the complete disregard for his Barbie goods, refused to put the flag up! A clever move involving Fez, Ecky and Gavin was finished with a toe-poke by Dylan to put the Vets 4-1 up. A late, very well taken header by Wymondham was too little too late and Cringleford went on to their 3rd win in succession having scored an impressive 10 goals in 3 games. The celebratory mood in the dressing room was only briefly broken by a shout of "Look, just leave it Bartlett" as Ian desprately announced a final offer on a matching pink Barbie robe and tiara.
Cringleford on recent form have every reason to go into Friday night's final with confidence. Sadly they will be without Nick Skipper's talents at the Buffet table and missing the much-loved Fez who will be spending our hard-earned money in Polish vodka bars.
Let's do it for Skippy and Fez!
