Goddy on course for Easter celebrations

GODMANCHESTER Rovers could win promotion to the Premier Division of the Eastern Counties League on Saturday – if they beat bottom of the table Cornard and third-placed Whitton United lose to Swaffham Town.

If that doesn’t happen, then “The Only Way is Essex,” said joint manager Neville Nania, name-checking the popular ITV semi-reality television show. On Monday Goddy will play Brightlingsea Regent for the second time in 10 days – and should they beat Cornard United, another three points there will guarantee the club promotion with three games of the season remaining.

“It would be good to do it on Saturday,” said Nania, whose side beat Brightlingsea at Bearscroft Lane 2-0 on Saturday, “but if we have to do it in Essex, then that’s fine.”

Goals from Chris Hyem and Mike Hyem were enough against a Brightlingsea side that had won their previous six out of seven games. “They are one of the strongest sides we have played in this division,” said Nania. “They have a big defence – a man mountain who is about six foot seven – but they also play the ball around well.

“They are well organised so it won’t be easy on Monday. But we just have to keep going and picking up points.

“Once we have won promotion, we can start thinking about the title.”

Goddy went into the game with Jordan Brocket and Matty Haniver injured and before kick off Paul Bass was forced to withdraw through illness.

But recent signing Carl Foreman – who they picked up from Huntingdon Town – was excellent, and at the back Stephen Hurst, Tom Moran, Rob Stamper and Jon Hall were solid.

Chris Hyem’s goal came in the 25th minute, he recieved the ball on the edge of the area after a move had broken down, and took a touch before finding the far right hand top corner with an excellent strike.

Not to be outshone by his brother, Mike Hyem got his goal with a looping header late in the second half.