Azza Exercet sets the tone!
Soham were the visitors to the Recreation Ground this week as Girton looked to end the season on a high. With only a handful of games left the lads were eager to replicate the form they had shown at Foxton two weeks previous and also the desire they had shown in the 2-1 victory away at Soham a month or so ago.
The last home game saw a lifeless Girton lose to Hemingford without forcing the away side custodian to make a save, so the lads knew they owed the fans, particularly Raymond, Glenda and Mr Chappo, amongst others who turn out each week in hope of seeing the real Girton turn up.
The side looked familiar with only a couple of changes being made, one being the return of the ageing Simon Moir in the centre of the park after going 8-9 months without a game replacing the suspended Matt Mee. Moir even turned up to training on Thursday albeit two hours late, unaware of the new time. Rumour has it he trained on his own running 10 laps of the field, running a few doggies and then playing a ten minute match with an imaginary ball, shame he didn't practice free-kicks at the time!
The only other change was the return of Rob Belsom (Goose) into the centre of defence replacing the absent Geraldo Sylvestoriano.
So the line up from back to front was:
Jack Stevens in goal, a centre back trio of Belsom, Pawley and Chappo. A midfield two of Moir and the OX. Waller right, Frost left and Peachey in behind Maskell and Andy Mee.
Ross Gillings and Nick Edwards were the two substitutes, however after 4 months out with an injury Gillings return was cut short as he turned an ankle in the warm up leaving the bench warming to Edwards. It is another cruel blow to Gillings who looked lively in training Thursday.
The game got underway on the excellent pitch with only the somewhat all too frequent Girton wind proving a slight hazard. Girton started well playing into the slight wind and just like the Foxton game the football was a joy to watch and also a joy to be a part of. It was evident early on that Soham were weak in the full back areas and Girton exploited the weakness on a number of occasions, mainly down the left hand side where Moir, Frost and one of either Peachey or Maskell were working hard to forge openings and get the ball into the box early.
The game settled a bit with Girton clearly on top but not creating any real openings, but it exploded into life on 20 minutes when Aaron Maskell hit an absolute rocket that even 4 keepers in the one goal wouldn't have saved.
The moved started with Frost tucking inside, he delivered the ball into Andy Mee, who did well to hold off the defender before laying the ball to the oncoming Maskell, under pressure he took one touch and then unleashed a strike straight out of the top draw, with the keeper barely having time to see the ball let alone move for the it as it cannoned of the left hand post and ended up in the opposite corner, a great strike to give Maskell his 18th of the season (can he make it 20? You would be a fool to bet against it). 1-0
The goal was well deserved and Girton continued their dominance of the game against a side who are aiming for a top 4 finish and a team that had also demolished Lakenheath in mid-week.
As the half continued Girton looked the more likely with Soham only really dangerous on the counter attack. With the football still flowing it was Girton who would fire home the second goal of the game.
Another move in the middle of the park saw the ball fall to Andy Mee who from 20 yards tried his luck with a speculative volley, it is difficult to say whether it was his shin or his big toe that made the most significant contribution to this half volley but whatever it was the ball looped up and over the keeper (many thought it was going over the trees) and to the amazement of everyone watching it dropped in over the goal line. One can only describe the goal as a keeper misjudgement or down to nature playing its part, but would certainly not put it down to a text book half volley from the Girton big man. 2-0
Girton at this stage were cruising. Soham had a few half chances, firstly with a free-kick that Jack saw late but managed to punch clear and also when a lack of communication allowed the Soham player in but again the ball was cleared.
Girton could have and maybe should have made it three nil before half time as the ball fell to Peachey, his low drive was saved by the legs of the keeper and Joe Waller's follow up sailed over.
HT 2-0
The second half was Girton's to lose as Soham really didn't look like they had any invention up top. Their wingers were getting no joy and were continuously switched but to no avail as Girton remained on top.
The second half provided Girton with more chances to extend the lead, Firstly Frost fired a right foot effort against the bar and then Simon Moir (who was still running around after 70 minutes), struck a free-kick that narrowly missed an elderly gentleman walking his dog in Oakington.
Frost then had a half chance with a header as Girton were well and truly bossing the game. Jack in the Girton goal described his day as an afternoon of housing keeping as he and his defence cleaned up everything at the back.
Nick Edwards came on for Andy Mee as the clock ticked away, his effortless running almost provided Girton with a chance for a third goal but in the end Soham managed to clear there lines as Edwards indecision allowed a defender back in.
Time ticked away and the referee blew for full-time on what was a comfortable and well deserved victory for Girton.
Next up is Hardwick on Tuesday, with the games coming thick and fast Girton will look to finish the season as strongly as possible.
Rumour has it Simon Moir had to sleep in the living Saturday night…no not due to a barny with the missus but to do with the fact his legs wouldn't allow him to get up the stairs…nice one Grandad.
Over and out.
