8th September 2004 - Away 6.15pm KO vs. Oulton Mariners

Result - lost 7-1

Mutford crashed to a disappointing defeat against a well organised and ruthless Mariners side. The opening 20 minutes showed nothing of the problems that were to befall the Mutford midfield and defence later in the game. Mutford's passing was brighter, tackling sharper and it seemed they picked up from were they had left off against Sole Bay, forcing a succession of corners.

However a Mariners goal against the run of play seemed to knock the stuffing out of the Mutford players and from then on it was a case of the final whistle not coming quick enough. A second soon followed after a handling error by otherwise reliable Harrison. As the players stopped for a water break the 2-0 scoreline left the Mutford camp in disbelief.

The second third of the match saw the Mutford defence dissolve and three further goals by Mariners followed.

The final third was little better for Mutford, however Josh did bring a smile to the faces of the players and fans with an excellently taken goal.

Manager Paul Rose said afterwards "Had I have known we were to be so tired I would not have accepted the game, this was the last thing the boys deserved. They have worked so hard all summer. It hurts when you see them having such a tough time of it and cant get out there to help them. I do feel we have learnt a bit more about where players are capable of playing effectively and the level of fitness of some of the players. The first 20 minutes was excellent but we lost our shape and discipline after that, I felt the midfield became too spread out and was not goal side of the Mariners midfield enough.

I'm not sure what happened in defence, I know we looked stronger when Jack was moved to right back, David played a marking role in the centre and Joe returned to left back. These are subtle position changes but seem to make a difference. This is something we have learned. We have to pick ourselves up for the weekend. I have seen enough to know we are very close to being a decent side but have to maintain a level of consistency throughout a whole match."

Recent current form shows that the game against St Benets, who were also well beaten by Mariners, is at this stage too close to call and should be a nail biting encounter.  

Posted 9^th September 2004