13th February 2005 - Away 11.00am KO vs. Aztec

Result - Lost 7-2

Aztec showed why they are top of the table with an uncompromising 1st half display to lead 7-1 at the break. Mutford restoring some pride with a much better 2nd half performance to give the game a final score of 7-2 on a cold sleety morning in Caister.

With Joe out through injury, Jason sidelined for personal reasons and Jack touring Caister with his Nan looking for the Pitch, Mutford lined up with Harrison in Goal, Jordan W, Phil, Jervy and Josh in defence, Wheels, Clabby, Johnny and Smiffy in midfield, Jordan P and Mikey in attack.

Just before kick-off Jack's Nan had found her bearings and pulled into car park like Colin McRae.

The match started with Aztec playing down the slope and soon had the upper hand, their play was sharp and the passing was precise. Mutford were not showing their usual commitment and could not handle the intelligent movement of the Aztec front line. Although it was Mutford who nearly drew first blood, an excellent run down the right wing and cross from Mikey was almost finished by the outstretching Jordan P. At the other end Harrison was soon called into action for Mutford and made a couple of good saves, too often though, he was left exposed by the Aztec pressure and the score was soon 4-0.

The first Mutford goal came from a free kick on the right, half way inside the Mutford half. Aztec pushed up to try and catch the Mutford strikers off-side, but Jordan, Mikey and Clabby all evaded the offside trap with well-timed runs from their own half. Clabby took control of the through ball, he was one-on-one with the talented Aztec 'keeper and calmly picked his spot to the 'keepers left.

By this time Jack had come on to slot into right back, but Aztec were still too strong and 3 more goals went in before half time.

Half Time 7-1

At half time the Mutford Manager demanded more and sent the team back out onto the field with only one aim; "win the second half" he said.

Mutford did lift their game, although it wasn't the pretty passing game that we were used to, but it was improving. Aztec were no longer enjoying the possession that they had been allowed in the first half. Another switch saw Jordan W at right back and Jack move into midfield. Mutford were playing with more passion. Phil was playing in his usual "Rack-Russell" manor, Josh and Jordan W were both tackling and battling well and Jack was giving the midfield some stability, Johnny and Wheels were working the flanks well when required. Up front Smiffy had replaced the injured Jordan P who had given his all.

Good attacking play had seen Mutford surge forward on a number of occasions. Clabby who was now orchestrating the Mutford midfield came close with a blocked shot. Smiffy thought he had scored following a Mikey run and cross but had just drifted into an offside position before receiving the ball.

It was Mikey who did score Mutford's second with a trade-mark cool finish. Soon after he nearly doubled his tally with a one-on-one with the Aztec 'keeper, but hit his shot straight at the keeper.

The ref blew for full-time with the score at 7-2 to Aztec.

The Mutford Manager Paul Rose was quite upbeat with the result and said "I am pleased with the 2nd half performance, the boys did what we wanted in the 2nd half, after a poor first half". He praised all the boys and singled out Mikey, Jack and Josh for their performances and awarded Clabby "Man-of-the-match" for his leadership and organisation.

After the game the Referee also praised the Mutford 2nd half performance, he said to the boys "You played really well in the 2nd half particularly the captain (Clabby). Aztec normally play their 'keeper out late-on in the game, but today they didn't, that shows that amount of respect that they had for you".

The Mutford Assistant Manager Mark Smith said, "The slope helped both teams, if we had won the toss and kicked down in the first half we might have stood a better chance. But with a team as good as Aztec you can't afford to let them get two or three goals ahead. I think we might have seen the league champions today. Gorleston C can catch them if they win their games in hand, but Aztec are the best team that we've played this season".

Man of the Match - "Captain" Clabby.

Posted 13^th February 2005