14th October 2007 - Away 10.30am KO vs. Aztec - League

Result - Aztec 1 Mutford 4

Mutford recorded their first win at eleven-a-side against the talented Aztec team.

The match was played on perfect morning for football. Mutford had Horney back in the centre of defence, which allowed Gibbo to push into midfield for the unwell Brad. Mutford at least had the bare eleven fit and well. Liam in goal, a back four of Joe, Horney, AJ and Sam. In the middle, Josh, Gibbo, Harley and Danny with Jason and Phil up front. Brad came along to bravely support his team, but his constant coughing was such an irritant to the spectators he was eventually banished to the nearby car park.

The first half was a tense and nervy affair with both sides creating half chances. The clearest opportunity from open play was from an Aztec cross well met at the far post and the header rebounding off the Mutford cross bar. Phil showed a moment of skill, with a quick turn and shot just wide.

As the forty minutes was just about up Jason received the ball inside the Aztec area and wriggled between two defenders one of which just clipped his heels and a penalty was awarded. Jas got up dusted himself down and dispatched the spot kick to give Mutford a vital half time lead.

Half Time - Aztec 0 Mutford 1

The second half was much more open than the first. The second goal of the game came from Harley, racing onto a through ball, out pacing the defender and sliding the ball under the advancing keeper. Aztec regrouped and there began a period of pressure from the home side and a series of corners. Eventually the mistake was forced and Mutford conceded a penalty from a hand ball. This spot kick was also expertly dispatched. Once again the nerves jangled.

It was at this point that Brad's coughing was getting unbearable and he was sent onto the pitch hoping he would be far enough away not be heard. Unfortunately he hugged the left touch line as if his life depended on it, coughing over everyone within range, and was quickly replaced and banished to the car park. A sad end to the game for one of Mutford most important and committed players. Hopefully he will be back fit and well soon.

As the game progressed a pattern emerged of Mutford defending brilliantly, particularly AJ, Horney and Liam, and launching counter attacks through Jason and Phil, who looked as though he was really enjoying himself when left one on one with Aztec defence.

The third Mutford goal came with ten minutes remaining. A long ball up to Jason, a simple knock on and Phil racing beyond the defender hit an unstoppable shot that flew in off the foot of the post into the opposite corner.

The game was almost over when again Phil raced clear rounding two defenders who got too close to him and gave away a second penalty to the away side. This time it was Phil who took the kick smashing it into the roof of the net.

Final score Aztec 1 Mutford United 4

Manager Paul Rose said after the game "This was our best win ever, without a doubt. Aztec are a top side and I am delighted to have got the points. Although there were three penalties it was by no means a dirty game, all the pens were mistakes rather than anything malicious or trying to deliberately gain an advantage. This has been a far better start than we could have wished for. There are a lot of hard games ahead and we could still find ourselves at the wrong end of the table if we let our standards slip".

JOHN SMITH sponsored MAN of the MATCH was awarded to the whole team for an awesome team effort.

Posted 17^th October 2007