Yet again it was a glorious morning for football as Greshams met at the Club, although heavy overnight rain had left some pools in the centre circle. With a few late arrivals, Greshams made it out on to the pitch with just a few minutes to spare only to find there was no sign of a referee. After some frantic phone calls by the management team it was apparent that the allocated ref was not going to turn up (it subsequently transpired that the ref was double booked with a County game, but the league had failed to inform the Greshams secretary).
Fortunately Harry volunteered to do the officiating, and Greshams were finally ready to kick off. With Froudy making his final appearance before a year's travelling, and being made captain for the day, Greshams lined up with Rob in goal; across the back Jamie, Sam, Hamblin and Cash; in midfield Ollie Matt Greg and Froudy; and up front Ash and Rob with Emy starting as sub.
Whether the disrupted pre match preparations had affected Greshams, they were very lucky not to be behind after around six seconds. Greshams took the kick off and passed the ball back to Jamie, whose attempted pass to no-one in particular was picked off by the striker who ran on and fortunately placed his shot just wide.
Unfortunately this set the tone for an error strewn first half from Greshams in a game being affected by a strong breeze. Feathers took the lead when a cross which should have been prevented, struck Hamblin on the thigh and unluckily hit the bar and bounced down over the line. Feathers second came when Matt found himself under pressure and the ball was picked off by Feathers and the striker managed a decent little chip over Rob and in to the net. Shortly before the break it was nearly three when once again Greshams caused their own problems, allowing a break from one of their own corners. Luckily however when the cross came in to an unmarked Feathers player he blazed harmlessly over the bar.
However, although Greshams were not at their best, they did play some decent stuff when in possession. They were looking neat down both flanks with some good work from Ollie down the right. They had chances, too, the best one coming when Rob Minns ran at pace at the left back, cut inside, and hit a good effort that went just over.
Half time Greshams 0 Feathers 2
Despite the scoreline there had been some half promising signs for Greshams and the half time team talk centred on being positive going forwards. Emy came on for Jamie, who had been having an off day, with Ollie moving to right back. With the wind at their back, the second half did see a much improved Greshams performance, although they were just unable to make the breakthrough. The approach play was good and Emy showed great pace and determination down the right, and put in some great crosses but they all eluded the Greshams strikers. When Greshams did get shots on target, the Feathers keeper was making some good stops, the pick of them being from a well hit long range effort from Ollie.
With Rob being a virtual spectator for the second half, and Feathers unable to muster so much as one corner all game, the frustration for Greshams is that Feathers did not have to work hard to get the goals that decided a contest which based on possession, territory and attempts on goal, Greshams certainly deserved to get something out of.
Man of the Match
While nobody exactly distinguished themselves Greg put in a solid and hard working performance in centre midfield. Well played mate.
Farewell Froudy
At the end of his testimonial game, a few beers were sunk to say farewell to Froudy who is now off to Australia for a year or so. Froudy will be missed after two seasons as a virtual ever present. In recognition of his contribution Froudy was presented with. 'Froud 7' Greshams shirt which will be envied wherever his journey takes him. Thanks mate and good luck!!!!
