9th October 2005 - Away 10.30am KO vs. Hempnall

Lost - 4-2

A disappointing performance not helped by injury to Joe (arm) and Jervey (hamstring) and late arrival of Jordan saw Mutford lose their second away match on the bounce.

Mutford lined up in a 4-4-2 formation with Jervey in goal (having picked up a pull in the warm-up), with a defence of Harrison, Jack, Phil & Smiffy. In the midfield were Clabby, Jason, Mikey & Josh with AJ and Johnny up front.

Despite the makeshift team selection, Mutford were doing OK so it was disappointing when Hempnall went in front from their first corner of the match. A well taken corner volleyed into the net at the far post after some hesitant defending.

Mutford had several good chances to score, notably AJ who firstly had a shot just wide and was next denied by a great save from the Hempnall 'Keeper.

Once Jordan arrived, the injured Jervey was replaced in Goal by Harrison and Jordan went on just behind the strikers.

Slightly against the run of play Hempnall then snatched their second. From a great free kick from just outside the area, the ball rebounded off the crossbar and Mutford failed to clear the ball and it was poked home at the far post.

Phil then took a knock from a strong tackle and was sidelined for 5 minutes, and eventually went on in midfield to run off his injury.

It looked like the sides would be going in at half time with a 2-0 score line. But Jason had other ideas when Mutford were awarded a free kick half way into the Hempnall half. He put the ball down a released a great shot over the 'keepers head and into the net.

Half Time 2-1.

Mutford never quite found their passing boots but it started to look a lot better when they drew level. Another Jason free kick, this time played into the space over the defence and straight into the path of AJ who made no mistake.

At this point the match could have gone either way with both teams having good chances. It was Hempnall again who got back in front. A mix-up at the back and Harrisons attempted clearance came back off Johnny's shin and rolled over the line despite attempts to clear by Jack and Phil.

Josh and Smiffy switched positions to give the Mutford attack some variety and several positional changes at the back between Jack, Jason, Johnny and Phil to find the best formation were tried.

Several times Mutford nearly grabbed another equaliser, Clabby was unlucky with a header that hit the inside of the post and AJ thought he had scored, but he adjudged as being off-side.

Shortly after AJ's disappointment Hempnall sealed the victory from another corner. The ball floated over and stabbed home as Mutford failed to get the ball clear.

Man of the match went to Harrison who made some good saves and had also played out-field at the back when required at the start of the game. Credit also goes to Jack who always tried to pass the ball when in mid-field, Smiffy also worked tirelessly covering for the injured Joe.

Man of the Match - Harrison.

Posted 9^th October 2005