On a lovely day for football, Greshams arrived at the Club knowing this was their chance to finally get a win on the board after what has been a rather miserable and luckless 2016. After Groggy's bowel incontinence of the previous week, Manager Cashen arrived at the Club on the wrong end of a few choice words from the launderette manager. In anticipation of more teamsheet related hilarity, the pen and paper were passed to a rather dazed looking Richard Hunn, who to general disappointment, showed nous and tactical acumen to give a teamsheet masterclass. With Groggy now having had a couple of weeks to watch and learn, the poo-panted defender is in line for a recall to teamsheet duties next week!
With Tom Cashen being too lazy to get out of bed, Greshams had a squad of 12 and lined up with Rob in goals; a now familiar back four of Froudy, Groggy, Hamblin and Cash; in midfield Matt, Sam, Rich Minns and Nathan; up front Rob Minns and The Hunn with Phil on the bench.
Greshams started the game confidently although it soon became clear that Northam were by no means the strongest team they have faced this season. Nevertheless, Greshams football was at times really excellent, with everyone looking confident on the ball, and some of the passing being really impressive. They soon took the lead. Some great work in the build up culminated in Nathan knocking the ball to the overlapping Cashen whose cross for once was absolutely perfect. Rob Minns leapt to meet it and directed a firm downwards header in to the net giving the keeper no chance and Greshams a valuable lead. Moments later Cashen had another opportunity to cross but this time normal service was resumed as a horrible shanked and sliced effort sent the ball spinning into the air and out for a throw.
Having taken a well deserved lead, Greshams then had a period where they took their foot off the gas and allowed Northam in to the game. Although Rob's goal was never in serious danger, Northam did apply a bit of pressure and had one clear sight of goal when they broke quickly. The ball fell to the feet of the number 9 about 12 yards out but with Cashen sprinting across to make to block the shot was rushed and flew harmlessly over the bar.
Greshams then began to reassert themselves. With Nathan finding acres of space on the left and Matt and Froud combining effectively down the right the football continued to be good to watch, and the reward came in a second goal for Rob Minns. Some great work round the edge of the area ended with a lovely pass from Matt to Rob Minns who drilled a low shot from some way out that went right in to the bottom corner giving the keeper no chance.
Half Time Greshams 2 Northam Celtic 0
Greshams have thrown away leads this season so the half time team talk was all about continuing to do the right things. It did seem that Northam had little appetite for the game and another goal would effectively seal it for Greshams. They got that goal early in the half and what a goal it was. A bit of a scramble in the centre circle saw Nathan emerge with the ball. With the defence high up the pitch Nathan raced clear and nobody was going to catch him once he got motoring, it was all about could he finish. Nathan answered this question by thumping the ball confidently into the net to cap a great solo effort. At this point Phil came on for Matt who had had a good game down the right.
As expected, Northam rather capitulated after the third goal. They lost their shape completely and as a result the game became scrappy. Northam made a substitution mid way through the half and such was the apathy of the team that apparently 4 or 5 of them wanted to be subbed off! Greshams were comfortable but now found it a bit more difficult to get their passing game going. However, they did have more chances. Nathan found himself one on one again but this time blazed over. The Hunn had a chance on the volley but unfortunately it was on his right and he couldn't direct it. Greshams were also being frustrated by the linesman, who was clearly taking his instructions from the Northam back 4, flagging immediately on request. Finally however, Greshams got their fourth to cap a fine display. Froudy knocked a good ball square to the Hunn who this time made no mistake with a confident low finish.
As the game meandered to a conclusion there was just time for a moment of high farce. Manager Cashen was looking to make a classic father / son substitution, Tom having turned up at half time with Mike and Nana Potter. With five to go, Tom finally decided to get changed into his kit. However, so lethargic were his efforts that just as he was pulling on his second sock, the referee blew for full time leaving Tom shamefaced on the sidelines. However, there was a definite glint in Nana Potter's eye as she watched Tom getting changed suggesting that the effort might not have been entirely wasted!
Man of the Match
An all round good performance is evident in the fact that in the vote for Man of the Match, no fewer than 9 people received votes. Indeed scoring 4 and keeping a clean sheet is a good day at the office regardless of the quality of the opposition. As Nathan pointed out when casting his vote, Groggy kept things solid at the back, unlike the previous week when he was distinctly runny at the back. Honourable mentions to joint runners up Sam and Steve Hamblin who both had great games but the winner of the bubbly for a fine first half brace that effectively won the game for Greshams is Rob Minns. Well played mate.
