22nd October 2006 - Home 10.30qm KO vs. Waveney Youth B

Result - Mutford 7 Waveney 0

Mutford produced a convincing performance overall against local rivals Waveney at The Village Hall ground to keep up their promising early season form.

It all started so differently for the home side with players on holiday and others grounded for continuing bad behaviour the Management Team had to shuffle the pack. The change of positions and personnel gave Mutford a disjointed look in the early stages and it was Waveney who were producing the better football. During this early period it would have been hard to argue if the away side had taken the lead. The powerful Luke Fitzgerald looked a threat and twice broke clear and was only denied on one occasion by the upright.

But it was against the run of play when Josh Mott, playing a more advanced role than of late picked up a rebound in the box with his back to goal, turned on sixpence, and hit a low shot into the corner. A second soon followed, almost identical to the first, again Motty picking the ball up from a rebound, this time turning on a halfpenny, and slotting away for a two goal advantage to home side. As the half wore on Mutford began to settle and were beginning to enjoy an even amount of the game as Waveney. Just as half time loomed Phil picked up the ball on the right and sent in a perfect cross for Danny to expertly lift the ball over the keeper for an excellent goal.

Half time Mutford 3 Waveney 0

The second half saw Mutford's solid defence of Jonny, Jason, Jack and Joe looking more settled with the threat of the Waveney attack, and they needed to be as Harrison in goal had picked up a knock and was almost rooted to the spot for most of the half. Mickey and Bradley were starting to take control of the midfield and play some nice football. Up front Sam had almost by this time run himself into the ground and came off for well deserved rest, Phil pushed on from the right and Robbie came on to protect Jonny, who was being outnumbered with the introduction by Waveney of Jordan Sandwell onto their left. Phil produced instant results, picking up a cross from the left, he rounded the keeper and slotted home.

Phil again profited from a deep cross from the left when he stole in at the far post to score his second of the match. It was only at this point did Mutford feel that they had put the match to bed and were able to relax. Some nice football then released Danny who finished a classy chip over the keeper from the edge of the box. As the match drew to a close Bradley rounded off a superb second half performance with a superb goal. Latching onto a lay off from Phil, Bradley's first touch took him clear of the Waveney defence, running half the pitch he kept his cool and slotted home the final goal.

Afterwards Manager Paul said, "Waveney started really well and played some good football and our early goals came against the run of play, I don't know how we managed to be three up at half time. Second half I thought we did finally get on top. Phil has been excellent and enjoying more freedom this season. Danny is looking sharper and producing moments of real class. Brad's goal was a great goal, his engine took him clear and he finished well. Mickey played really well in the centre of midfield and proved again what a good all round player he is. We have been guilty of missing some chances in recent games but we finished a good percentage of our chances today. Once again the back four, with Joe coming in for Josh, looked really solid."

JOHN SMITH sponsored MAN of the MATCH - Mikey. Superb midfield display.

Posted 30^th October 2006