Greshams maintained their 100% start to the league season with a solid 4-0 victory against Hatfield Maintenance. It was a fine morning for football, playing at the luxurious surroundings of Bourne Park with rain lashing down and leaves and branches ankle deep in some parts of the pitch. Using his well-known common sense Simon decided this was the ideal location to show off a particularly shiny pair of new shoes, although it was felt playing in these wouldn’t result in any noticeable change in performance.
Due to international call-ups two changes were made from last weeks starting eleven with Ali Wright returning in central midfield and Tom Potter making his first appearance of the season at centre-half. This was a surprise change to the back four, however not as surprising as the fact that Tom appeared to be relatively sober.
Greshams started the game strongly, keeping things tight at the back and gradually exerting pressure on the somewhat suspect Hatfield defence. Luke was causing them problems down the left hand side, which was in stark contrast to last week when he was causing problems for his own team with his unscheduled disappearance into the trees midway through the first half. With Barry and Simon were working hard up front it seemed only a matter of time before Greshams would take the lead and the first goal duly arrived after fifteen minutes. Following a strong run down the right, Dave Neve floated a cross to the far post which drifted over the goalkeeper and nestled in the far corner of the net. Although the goal was slightly fortuitous it was no less than Greshams deserved for their start to the game.
The second goal wasn't long in coming as Barry and Simon linked up well and the ball was flicked to Dave coming in from the right hand side of the area. Dave waltzed past one despairing challenge before neatly slotting the ball passed the advancing Hatfield goalkeeper.
Following the second goal Greshams lost their way somewhat and Hatfield started to come more into the game. Greshams were also getting increasingly frustrated with the very fussy referee, who liked to establish the role he was playing in the match by shouting "I am the referee" at regular intervals. Astonishingly the referee even awarded a free-kick against Jonny at one point, which was particularly ludicrous as Jon was once again doing his level best to ensure his shorts remained in pristine condition throughout the match, and wouldn’t have dared risk fouling someone. Several players were warned after questioning the referee’s decisions including Kevin, who was on the bench, but still managed to get his point across. Greshams start was further disrupted when Tom injured his ankle and had to be replaced, Kevin coming on to renew acquaintances with the referee.
During the final fifteen minutes of the half Greshams were indebted to keeper Ashley Bowdler for several fine saves, the pick of which was an excellent dive to his right following a rasping 20 yarder that skidded along the slippery surface.
The half time break saw some stern words (and some jelly babies) following the fairly lacklustre end to the half, however these warnings did not appear to have been listened to as Greshams started the second half sluggishly. However Hatfield were unable to find a way through the Greshams backline with Justin again dominant in the air.
With Greshams looking for that third goal to kill the game off Beardo was brought off the bench and had an immediate impact. Charging down a defensive clearance with typical enthusiasm he raced through one on one with the goalkeeper. The outcome though was sadly predictable as the ball skewed off the outside off his foot and rolled wide of the goal.
With ten minutes remaining the ever youthful Phil Beeson entered the fray and joined Beardo up front. Phil was into the action straight away, with Dave again outpacing his full back and sending in a dangerous ball across the face of the goal. The ball arrived to Phil at an awkward height but he calmly slotted it home to seal the win for Greshams.
