Cringleford were delighted to be back at Easton College to begin the defence of their title against what is always a strong Horsford side. They were also pleased to welcome new recruit John "The Caretaker" Cardoza. (That's not his Mafia name, he is actually a Caretaker!.....I think....actually now you mention it....) as well as welcoming back former Cringleford talisman Karl Izzard, back after a year on the Darkside (otherwise known as Hempnall). The biggest welcome however was reserved for a couple of new cracking acquisitions....Huck's Silver Boots, which if this was the 80's would be referred to as "Snazzy".
Cringleford lined up in their traditional 4-2-3-1 formation, the only notable absentee being Scott Howie, the Norfolk Pirlo, who was busy doing a Scottish dish of the day feature with the Norfolk Magazine.
The first half was a cagey affair, Cringleford had most of the chances & Horsford only threatened a couple of times, but the Away side did well in containing as best they could the threat of the silver booted speed merchant. At the back Rudi Hare & Mark Dennis were imperious. Cringleford's passing game was looking good & at half time the message was to be patient, keep it solid defensively & the chances would eventually bring dividends. Either that or "shut up Ecky & pass the water"..I can't remember.
Second half & Cringleford's dominance began to bear fruit, after a one two with Ecky, old snazzy boots found space in the area to finish cleanly. 1-0 to Cringleford.
Shortly after, Alan Howard floated in a lovely cross which the Keeper fumbled a bit & Hucks was there to guide it home. 2-0 to the Home side.
It's always important to get your striker on the score-sheet, especially when he's a grumpy Northern Chef so when Hucks was clipped in the box, Roger was given the task & dispatched it with aplomb..(not a plum) 3-0 to Cringleford. Very good refereeing on this occasion as Hucks was definitely fouled in the box but didn't go down & having lost the scoring opportunity the Ref rightly gave the Penalty.
Hucks finished off the scoring in style with a goal of supreme technique & one of the best I've seen in Vets football. Coming on at an angle to a fine Ben Carver pass, He side-footed it with pace, spin & swerve over the head of the Horsford keeper who although wasn't that far off his line could only watch the ball dip over his head. Brilliant! 4-0 to Cringleford & 3 points in the bag.
The score doesn't do justice to Horsford who were as strong as ever & have excellent quality & pace in their side. They will certainly contend for a top place this season.
It seems easy to praise the referee when you've won 4-0 but it was widely agreed that Matthew Hudson did a fine job.
As for the Lino....award goes to Tom Huckerby for outstanding performance in a supporting role. More importantly thanks to young Hucks the Manager doesn't have to make substitutions based on linesmanship ability.
A Great first win for Cringleford who go straight to the top of the league......but there are tough challenges ahead.
