10th September 2006 - Away 10.30am KO vs. Gorleston Rangers B

Result - Gorleston Rangers B 1 Mutford 3

There was a real buzz around pitch side as the new season kicked off. The game got under way with the away side having the better of the early exchanges and Sam coming close with an angled shot across the goal which hit the upright. Mutford's passing in this early part of the game was top draw with Mousey, Jason, Jack and Josh coping well at the back and Danny, Smiffy, Harley and Phil working hard in midfield.

Midway through the half Mutford brought on Jonny and last seasons top scorer Jordan and despite creating several half chances the breakthrough wouldn't come. As the half drew to a close the balance of play began to lean slightly toward the home side as Mutford appeared to lose their concentration and Gorleston forced the pace and keeping Harrison on his toes in the Mutford goal.

Half time 0-0.

The second half began with Mutford trying to regain control of the game with some good possession play. As the game wore on it looked as though a 0-0 score line was on the cards until Gorleston picked up the ball from a Mutford goal kick and with some good passing broke through and finally lobbed Harrison to take the lead.

This seemed to inspire Mutford to greater efforts. Danny went on a penetrating run and produced a pinpoint cross for the inrushing Sam to convert on his league debut. This unsettled the home side and almost immediately Mutford regained possession and Harley's pass released Jordan who slid the ball past the advancing 'keeper.

This second goal gave Mutford the opportunity to pass the ball in a more relaxed manner and Jonny was influencing the game, not wasting a pass. Mickey came on for Danny and went on some penetrating runs down the left. Mutford's third goal came after some good pressure from Jordan forced the Gorleston defence into a hurried clearance which fell to Sam, who blasted the ball into the roof of the net.

After the game Mutford's manager Paul was very pleased, "It's always nice to start with three points and I thought the passing today was the best we have produced for sometime. It would be nice to have some stats to see the number of completed passes we made. Sam's debut was superb, he has quickly become one of the most popular lads in the squad and the boys were all delighted for him. The pitch over here at Gorleston is probably the perfect size for boys of this age to play on. The game was played in great spirit and the home side have lots of friends and family to support them. They are a nice team and I wish them well for the rest of the season".

Paul then went on (and on) to say "Also I would like to mention Harley and Danny. Harley came to us last season and is now very important to us. His passing in the middle of the field is something we have missed for a while. i think the strikers will benefit from playing with him. He will set up 20 goals this season, I am sure. Danny has also been top class since he joined. He is very serious about his football, in matches and training. I like his attitude and if we go behind he raises his game and that is infectious. He was the one today who made the equaliser for Sam."

JOHN SMITH sponsored MAN of the MATCH - SAM DEARE.

Posted 15^th September 2006