20th August 2006 - Home 11.00am KO vs. Harleston (Friendly)

Result - Mutford 8 Harleston 2

Mutford started the 2006/7 season with a friendly against Harleston at The Dell. Harleston were also playing their first friendly of the season. Both teams turned in whole hearted performances in an superb game of youth football. The 8-2 final score was harsh on Harleston who had their plans upset when their first choice keeper was unable to make the game.

Mutford's rigorous preseason training regime, which at times resembles Boot Camp, had the boys in top condition and they flew out of the blocks, catching their opponents cold in the early stages. Captain Phil playing in his new central midfield role opened the scoring early with a fine shot from the edge of the box into the top corner. He added a second moments later arriving late in the box to steer in a cross from the right, and completed a super hat trick with a third goal almost identical to his second.

Mutford's wing play, with Josh and Danny attacking down the left and Harley and Jack down the right was causing Harleston problems, but to their credit thay steadied themselves and slowly got into the game, launching their own attacks and creating some chances. Phil and Smiffy were working hard in midfield to contain the Harleston number 4 who was producing some excellent tackles and passes.

Mutford then made two substitutes, bringing on Sam and Mousey for Jordan and James. This new energy produced Mutford's fourth goal. Mickey picked up the ball on the edge of the box and showing good control, twisted and turned until he created an opening to finish with his left foot. Almost immediately from the kick off Harleston launched an attack which pressurised the Mutford defence into indecision. Finally Jason appeared to pick the ball up, bounce it twice before declaring his innocence at the handball decision of the of the particularly adept referee. Harleston converted the resulting penalty for a deserved goal.

Half time Mutford 4 Harleston 1

At half time Mutford changed their formation and brought Jordan and James back on for Mickey and Harley. Although Mutford's attacking play continued to look sharp with Danny pulling the strings behind the front two of Sam and Jordan, the defence was struggling to cope and Harleston began getting on top and goals looked likely from their front players. Mutford player power kicked in and the Team decided that reverting to the starting formation was the answer and organised themselves with minimal fuss back into their favoured positions.

Harleston then reduced the score further when an excellent delivery from a corner could only be bundled over the line by Smiffy, making the score 4-2. Smiffy immediately looked concerned as he generally scores one goal a season and this year it looks like being an OGGY.

Although Mutford continued to create chances, if the game had finished at this point it would have been a fair reflection of the play. However, Mutford's fitness kicked in and Harley, looking strong going forward from central midfield scored with a spinning right foot shot from the edge of the area. Jordan then opened his account for the season making it six with his usual neat finish. Phil capped a superb individual performance with his fourth of the match with a bullet header from Josh's corner. Finally, Jordan finished the match off with a left foot shot after being put clear by a precision pass from Harley.

Special praise goes to the Harleston stand in keeper who showed excellent character, playing out of position produced some great saves and enjoyed himself throughout. After the game Mutford assistant manager Mark said, "I am very pleased with the performance and impressed with the way the boys reorganised themselves after the unnecessary tinkering of the manager. Sam was excellent up front playing only his second ever game and the things we have worked on in training were there for us to see. Very pleased."

The JOHN SMITH'S sponsored Man of the Match award was presented to Josh for his superb performance down the left side. Phil was also singled out for his four goal performance, usual dogged tackling and underrated excellent range of passing.

JOHN SMITH sponsored MAN of the MATCH - Josh.

Posted 22^nd August 2006