12th November 2004 - Home 10.30pm KO vs. St Benets Wasps

Result - Won 4-3

Mutford finished the year by taking all three points in this closely fought match. Defending was not the order of the day as both sides looked like scoring every time they attacked. Mutford started slowly and found the work rate of Wasps difficult to cope with. Eventually Mutford created a opportunity when a cross found Smiffy who's left foot effort went just the wrong side of the post.

Shortly after Mutford won a corner and Clabby's in swinger found the head of Mickey who guided it into the roof of the net. This didn't really settle the home side who found it difficult to get any grip of the match and pass the ball with any control. The inevitable equaliser from Wasps followed and the home side were forced to try to re-establish a lead.

Just before half time Clabby got himself forward and found the back of the net to give Mutford an unlikely half time lead. The second half started little better for Mutford with Wasps getting the better of the early exchanges and threatening to draw level again. Eventually Mutford won a throw in an advanced position and after a good interchange of passes between Johnny and Jervey an excellent cross was put in and found the main man Clabby in the box who rounded a defender and deftly lifted the ball over the advancing keeper, to finally give Mutford a two goal cushion. But almost immediately Mutford again failed to clear and a powerful long range effort from Wasps gifted left sided player beat the unlucky Harrison who could only parry the shot into the roof of the net.

Again as Mutford nerves jingled they launched another attack and this time the ball fell to Jason on the edge of the box who skilfully guided the ball on the half volley into the roof of the Wasps net to restore the two goal advantage. Again back came Wasps, more indecision at the back for Mutford and a long range rocket flew past Harrison in to the net. Neither side could find another goal and a hard game finished 4-3 to the home side.

Paul Rose said afterwards, "I like to see us playing more of a passing game than we did today. However it's 3 points and I'm not complaining. Phil was a carrying an injury and that could explain why we conceded the goals we did as we have looked really tight at the back lately. Clabby was immense, when we play like that we need something to lift us and that is what he does. His character and personality are huge, he is a great lad. I was also pleased that we finally got a header from a corner, we don't get many. Jason's goal cheered me up as well, he is playing a lot deeper this season and doesn't get as much glory, but he's not complaining, I wouldn't listen anyway. Joe's return is also a boost for him and the team. After a few games he will be back to his best. I've no doubt about that".

Man of the Match. "The Main Man" Clabby.

Posted 20^th December 2004