24th September 2006 - Home 12.00pm KO vs. Bungay Town A

Result - Mutford 1 Bungay Town A 2

What a great youth football match these two sides produced. Bungay coming off an impressive away at Hempnall and Mutford also confident after their high scoring victory over Waveney played out a high tempo, totally committed and skilful game.

Mutford got off to a flying start when Phil's corner was met at the near post by Harley who swept the ball into the net. Both sides then went at each other hammer and tongs, Mutford's pace up front, Mickey and Sam, causing the Bungay back four problems and the away side's excellent passing and wing play stretching Mutford. Harrison in the Mutford goal made a superb save, tipping the ball onto his cross bar kept the home side in front. The Mutford back four of the J's , Jonny, Jason, Jack and Josh were looking solid and the midfield of Danny, Smiffy, Harley and Phil were working intelligently, both offensively and defensively.

Unfortunately for the home side Harrison's save was only a temporary reprieve, as Danny on the Bungay left, always looking dangerous with his pace and quality, finally broke free of his marker and sent in a stunning cross that was met with an equally stunning volley to level the scores just before half time.

The second half continued as the first with both sides looking to play football. The game ebbed and flowed and both teams enjoyed periods of supremacy. The game looked to have taken a dramatic turn when Bungay broke at pace in the Mutford box, Phil tracking back, got the wrong side of the attacker and clipped his heels for a penalty. The resulting was spot kick was missed and the game continued as before. Harrison again produced some excellent saves to deny Bungay, and Jason, Jack and Phil all had shots at the Bungay goal. In the second half Fitzy came on for the ill Danny and settled in quickly on the left wing, underlining the ability he has in a variety of positions.

Bungay's winner came heartbreakingly close to the final whistle. They again got clear down the left and as the cross was anticipated by Harrison the ball squeezed him into the near post. Mutford tried valiantly to pull the game back in the last few minutes but eventually just ran out of time.

After the game Manager Paul remained upbeat, "I believe this is the strongest group of players we have had at this age group. Results such as this and going back to the last game of last season and the summer friendly's confirm this. We are playing some really terrific football and the squad is really close. I want to mention the back four today, who were well organised and solid, also the central midfield pairing of Smiffy and Harley. They compliment each other brilliantly and are full of energy, and of course we have Harrison who once again was outstanding against top opposition. Everyone who has played Bungay over the last couple of seasons know they are strong opposition and capable of scoring lots of goals. I think they will take some stopping this year."

The JOHN SMITH'S sponsored Man of the Match award was given to HARRISON for a superb display of goalkeeping.

Posted 26^th September 2006