10^th Feb. 2008 GroundHoppers 5 – Downham Tavern 2

Hoppers, having got through three difficult weeks, sported their new kit, having waited since the start of season for it.

Hoppers started the game well, passing the ball well and creating chances from the offset. The first chance of the game fell to Vinny Kenneth, after being played through with only the keeper to beat; tried to place the ball over the keeper, but ended up spurning the chance over the bar. Vinny’s midfield partner Barry Gadsdon would be presented with the next best scoring chance, the ball falling nicely to him from a corner, you would put money on him scoring, but he placed his effort wide.

Downham, were working hard and keeping Elliott Parmenter and Steve Canfield busy at the center of defence. Downham were able to capitalise on error at the back, Downham heading home, a cross, with Richard Greig blinded by the sun.

Hoppers continued to play their game, stringing the passes together, keeping the Downham defence and goalkeeper busy. Hoppers eventually got themselves back into the game an in swinging corner, fell to Stephen Wright, to swivel and hit the ball home on the volley. Hoppers continued to press the Downham defence; Andrew Huggins hitting the side netting with a good chance.

Hoppers started the second half in the same dominant fashion; it wasn’t long before Hoppers were to take the lead; Andrew Huggins going down the right flank, crossed for Terral Allen to score. The third goal soon followed; similar to the first, but David Rose on for Darren Eames, went past two players down the left, cross for Terral Allen to score. Vinny Kenneth having a good game in midfield, was substituted for Johnstone Brown and then Vinny’s partner Barry Gadsdon was substituted for Matthew Searle. Hoppers confidence was growing the longer the game went on, David Rose was to score the fourth, after beating his man down the left, with options in the box, he gave the Downham keeper no chance as he struck the ball home. The fifth goal soon followed, Andrew Huggins winning the ball in midfield, he played Stephen Wright in down the left, Stephens cross was to find Andrew, as he worked hard to follow his pass, into the box to score with a diving header.

Downham, were never out of the game, they had a goal disallowed for offside and got a second from the spot, Richard Greig, unlucky not to save.

TEAM: Greig, Eames(Rose(1)), Canfield, Parmenter, Burgess, Gadsdon(Searle), Huggins, Hinchion, Kenneth(Brown), Allen(2), Wright(1) Subs: Patten