Above: Dave Stevens shoots with Jimmy Khan waiting in anticipation
Below: Ray Gibbins challenges the Greenwich keeper Wadmore

Above: Jimmy Khan tries to catch the Greenwich defence out as Ray Gibbins and Graham Thorogood look on
Below: Ray and Graham chase a long ball with Gerry Sheldrick in the background

Below: Ray challenges the Greenwich defence as Dave Stevens and Bob Sheldrick wait in anticipation, with Graham Thorogood in the background

Match report

A second half goal by substitute Geoff Gibbins was enough to clinch the Cup for Fleming.

Appropriately the goal was set up by man-of-the-match Jimmy Khan who broke through on the right side behind the Greenwich defence in the 63rd minute and after beating two defenders he steered the ball past the goalkeeper to the unmarked Geoff Gibbins who tapped in from three yards.

Up until then it looked as if neither side were going to break the stalemate as Fleming dominated and Greenwich, the Reserve Division 2A Champions who will be playing in the Senior League next season, looked lively on the break.

The game was a far from outstanding affair played on a hard and bumpy surface littered with patches of long grass. In the opening half Khan, Ray Gibbins and Graham Thorogood let good chances go astray whilst at the other end Nelson, the stocky Greenwich winger, saw his rocket-drive rebound off the crossbar and he could have done better with a number of other opportunities which came his way.

The second half saw Fleming get into top gear and determined to break down the strong Greenwich back line. Immediately from the restart Khan curled in a corner which was palmed away from underneath the crossbar by keeper Wadmore. Then Davis broke away with only Mark Edlin to beat but had his shot blocked by the goalkeeper’s feet. Khan had another great header saved, then Ray Gibbins had another close-range shot turned away and an overhead shot saved. Again Greenwich responded on the break and Mickey Lynch was forced to chest off his own goal-line.

After 55 minutes came the substitution with Geoff Gibbins making an immediate impact to score what was to be the winning goal. Thorogood almost doubled the lead when his cross rolled along the crossbar, and Lynch had a header cleared off the goalline.

Fleming deservedly held on to collect the trophy from League chairman Ken Aston, the famous referee from the 1962 World Cup final.
 

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