It was back to home comforts for Greshams following the chastening defeat to Fat Cat at Gainsborough the previous week. The previous meeting with Chantry had resulted in a narrow defeat so Greshams were going to have o play well to come away with a victory. With Rob returning in goal, but a few absentees, the pack was once again shuffled slightly as Cashen named a team of Rob in goals; a back four of Froudy, Greg, Hamblin and Cash; in midfield Emy, Sam, Rich Minns and Nathan; with Steve Norfolk and Rob Minns up front and Phil on the bench.
Cashen had demanded more intensity and focus from the team in his pre match talk and that was what he got as Greshams came out of the blocks firing on all cylinders. Emy was much in evidence in the opening minutes, rampaging up and down the right flank well supported by Froudy at right back. It was from one of Emy's incursions that Greshams took an early lead. Racing after the ball as if it was a benefits cheque, Emy hit a hard low cross which found Norfolk at the near post. The keeper had the temerity to save the initial effort but the ball rebounded to Norfolk who calmly rifled the ball into the far corner.
The early goal injected a lot of confidence into Greshams who went on to play some excellent football. They were passing the ball along the back line and creating space for the forward passes with some of the football a pleasure to watch. Chantry meanwhile were seeing a bit of the ball but really were not troubling Greshams. Chantry had just one real opportunity as their winger sprung the offside trap and raced in on goal. However, he was seemingly intimidated by the formidable shape of Rob thundering out of goal to meet him and hurried the shot sending it rather woefully wide.
Half an hour in, Greshams extended their lead. Greshams have made a habit of scoring spectacular goals this year, and this was another candidate for Goal of the Season. Nathan played the ball in to Rob Minns, resplendent in his gaudy bright green boots. Rob's first effort was blocked but the ball came back to him, and from outside the area he hit an absolute screamer which curled and dipped as it flew into the top corner giving the keeper absolutely no chance. Brilliant strike.
Greshams really should have extended the lead further just before half time when a cross from the left found Norfolk rushing in unmarked. However from close range Norfolk was only able to poke the ball straight in to the grateful arms of the keeper.
Half Time Greshams 2 Chantry Phoenix 0
Despite the scoreline Manager Cashen still demanded more care in possession from the team at half time. For once, Greshams did not let their standards drop in the first five minutes of the second half but continued to put pressure on Chantry with Emy once more a constant menace down the right. It was Emy once more involved as Greshams added to their lead. Another low cross from the bye line found Rob Minns unattended at point blank range. Rob has missed such chances this season but on this occasion he tapped it confidently into the net to give Greshams the cushion of a 3-0 lead.
At this point Nathan, who had tweaked a hammy and been a bit below par, was replaced by Phil who went to left back with Cashen to left midfield, with the Greshams left flank therefore having a combined age of over 100. Cashen was soon involved. Set free down the left by Rob Minns, Cashen swung in an inviting cross which Sam was just unable to control and the ball ran away from him and the Chantry keeper was able to gather it.
As Greshams continued to press, they won a corner which Froudy swung in. It was a great delivery and was just cleared at the far post for another corner to Greshams. Another great knock from Froudy this time was met perfectly by Rich Minns, heading the ball firmly downwards and in to the net.
At 4-0 Greshams were coasting but right at the death gave away a penalty. As the ball bounced high in the Greshams box, Rob came out and attempted to punch it but instead nearly decapitated the Chantry striker - there were very few protests from Greshams at the decision. With Cashen offering his customary no-longer-funny advice to Rob to 'make himself big', the Chantry striker ran up, Rob flung himself to his left, the ball went to his right - only to hit the post and bounce to safety allowing Greshams to preserve a clean sheet and run out 4-0 winners.
Man of the Match
In a performance which was like chalk from cheese compared to the previous week, there were a number of MoM candidates all over the pitch. The returning Rob was assured as ever in goal. Greg showed how much we had missed him with an assured display at centre half and Steve Hamblin looked more solid and confident for having his usual partner next to him. At full back Froudy was often involved in an attacking sense while defending solidly. Sam and Rich in midfield completely dominated the opposition, despite Chantry having three men in the middle to Greshams 2. Emy and Nathan were a constant menace while the strikers scored three between them and gave a great display of running and hold up play.
However a MoM has to be chosen and this week it goes to Rich Minns for a strong display in the middle of the park, capped by a fine goal. Well done mate.
