1st October 2006 - Away 10.15am KO vs. Oulton Mariners

Result - Oulton Mariners 1 Mutford 1

This was the first league meeting between the two sides for a few seasons and was eagerly awaited. From the kick off Mutford gained the early advantage sending Phil clear down the right and his powerful shot hitting the post. Mutford again went close when a good passing move ended with a deep cross to Mickey at the far post who's header went just wide. A third Mutford chance went begging when a good break down the left ended with Danny being denied by the post.

Mutford's starting back four of Jonny Jason Jack and Josh was coping well with early attacks from the home side, but the missed opportunities at the other end was worrying. Mutford made three substitutions, bringing on Mousey, against his old club, Joe at left back and James up front for the incredibly hard working Sam, who continues to impress in his first season in football.

This change and the approach of half time just disturbed Mutford's concentration and as the half drew to a close Mariners got on top and looked likely to score before the break but some untidy defending and Safe Hands Harrison, Mutford's number 1, kept the scores level.

Half time 0 - 0

The word from the Mutford management at half time was to re gain some concentration and get the passing going again. The second half kicked off with both teams enjoying equal possession and as the game wore on the conditions deteriorated due to a sudden down pour. The wet and slippery pitch then added further to the tension as it looked increasingly likely one goal would be enough.

When the breakthrough came it was stunning. Mariners were awarded a free kick outside the Mutford penalty area, Ben Bunter stepped up and unleashed an inch perfect shot into the top corner to give the home side the lead. Mutford then made some changes, bringing on Josh, Jonny and Sam. This sudden injection of pace and fresh legs handed the control of the game back to Mutford and Jonny, surging through from midfield blasted the equaliser from outside the box with his left foot. Mutford created one more chance to almost steal the points, Sam nipping in, in front of the keeper, only to see his toe poke cleared off the line.

Final score 1 - 1

After the game the Mutford manager was pleased with the performance but was rueing the missed chances. "I felt we could have put the game out of reach in the first twenty minutes with some more decisive finishing. Having said that this is the first time we have played Mariners and not lost the game so we have to keep it in context. Once again I thought we played very well without ever quite reaching the heights we did against Bungay. The game on the whole was very tight and as the second went on very tense. In fact the second half was so absorbing it felt like that no sooner had it started, it was all over. I am pleased again with the team who played on the day and the squad as a whole. I can't remember the last time I felt we hadn't done ourselves justice during a match, so that is very encouraging."

John Smith's sponsored Man Of The Match for an outstanding performance at the heart of the Mutford defence - Jack Vincent.

Posted 16^th October 2006