28th November 2004 - Home 12.30pm KO vs. Harleston.

Result - Won 5-1

Mutford were made to work hard to overcome a spirited Harleston side at The Mutford Community Centre and progress the Shield quarter finals.

The game started with Harleston settling the quicker and Mutford struggling to adapt their game to the bigger pitch. Eventually Mutford mounted some sustained pressure and the ball was worked to the left for Josh to fire a long range effort into the top corner. This did little to settle the home side and the game continued in a fairly even fashion and midway through the first half Harleston produced a quality ball into the Mutford which took a slight deflection past the keeper to even the scores.

Jonny was looking dangerous every time he got the ball for Mutford down the right but try as he might it looked as if the game was heading for all square at half time. That is until some good work on the right by Mickey who then produced an excellent cross for Jordan P to steal in ahead of the keeper for a trade mark cheeky finish. From the kick off the impressive Jason won the ball for Mutford, played a neat one - two with Clabby and then produced a pinpoint pass to send Jordan through who finished well with a right footed cross shot.

Half time Mutford 3 Harleston 1

The second half saw Harleston rally again and although they rarely threatened to reduce the arrears any thoughts Mutford had of an easy half were quickly dispelled. Harleston battled for every ball right to the end. Clabby during the second half produced some superb, powerful runs from midfield into the Harleston area and was rewarded with two goals. The first a powerful right foot shot from the edge of the area. The second as a result of strong run and shot which found its way back to him, which he finished with his left foot. Mutford also went close when the impressive Jack got his head to an excellent cross from Jonny, only for the Harleston keeper to make a superb one handed save.

The now settled Mutford defence of Smiffy, Phil, Jervey and Jack, with Jason holding the midfield just in front of them, held their shape well. As the game drew to an end Harleston again showed their spirit by forcing Mutford into some desperate defending which eventually saw Smiffy produce an over zealous challenge and a clear penalty to Harleston. Although a second Harleston goal would have been fully deserved for their efforts, Harrison in the Mutford goal produced a save reminiscent of the great Gordon Banks to keep score at 5-1.

Manager Paul Rose said afterwards, "I am very pleased with the result. The performance was good and we worked very hard, we had to, their attitude was spot on and made us fight for everything. I was very pleased for Jordan to get a couple of goals. This was our first performance on the big pitch and I think there is more to come. Most of the time we looked to play football and pass the ball. All three in midfield were outstanding and our defence is becoming quite mean in giving away goals. The strikers always look capable of scoring. Harrison deserves special praise, not just for today's penalty save but his contribution to our season as a whole, he has done very well".

Man of the match - midfield warrior - Jason.

Posted 30^th November 2004