On a lovely day for a game, Greshams were back at home for a game against the unfamiliar opposition of Wetherden. With a few players unavailable, the line up was announced as Rob in goal; a back four of Cash, Greg, Rich Minns and Steve Hamblin; in midfield Matt, Rob Minns, the returning Tom Cashen, Sam and Froud, with Steve Norfolk up front on his own.
Wetherden, clad in a gaudy bright orange hi-viz kit, soon proved themselves to be a good team. They were playing three at the back and up front were showing some good movement. However, Greshams were not making it difficult for the Wetherden players and too many in the blue were having an off day. Wetherden soon took the lead following a bit of ping pong in the Greshams area and shortly after, doubled their advantage when Cashen badly misjudged a bouncing ball and allowed the winger to take the ball away from him, and cross for the striker to finish smartly.
At this point Greshams were handed a potential way back in to the match when Rob Minns, running down the inside right channel, was brought down in the box. Froudy stepped up to take the spot kick, sending the keeper the wrong way.
However, Greshams were soon trailing by two again when Wetherden scored the goal of the game, a half volley from the corner of the Greshams area which flew into the top corner giving Rob no chance.
Half time Greshams 1 Wetherden 3
Greshams shuffled the team around at half time to revert to the more familiar 4-4-2 shape with Hamblin going to centre half, Froudy to right back, Tom to right midfield, Rich Minns to centre midfield and Rob Minns up front with Steve.
The changes gave Greshams a slightly more solid look but they soon conceded a fourth and then a fifth when Cashen's attempted clearance went straight to the striker who put the ball back in to the net. Disgusted with his own performance, Cashen subbed himself off and Harry came on in a straight swap.
Greshams then actually had a better spell, with Tom Cashen showing some of the skill and touch that we know him to be capable of, and linking up really well with Froudy down the right. Rich Minns was putting himself around in midfield and Greshams had some good possession, but without ever really causing Wetherden any problems.
Unfortunately Wetherden added a sixth when Froudy was caught in possession and a seventh on the break.
Full time Greshams 1 Wetherden 7
Man of the Match
There is no doubt this was a tough fixture against a good Wetherden side whose finishing was clinical. All the shots went in to the corner of the net and Rob had little or no chance with any of the goals. Wetherden were clearly also a very fit team giving Greshams no time to settle. However, Greshams themselves were off form and would have hoped to make life much more difficult for Wetherden.
It's difficult to choose a Man of the Match in a 7-1 defeat but Rich Minns never stopped trying to get on the ball and drive Greshams forwards and deserves the bubbly for an all action display. Well done mate.
