6th January 2008 - Away 12pm KO vs. Shrublands - League

Result - Shrublands 7 Mutford 1

Mutford surrendered their unbeaten away record in the league in spectacular fashion against leaders Shrublands.

On a perfect day for football Mutford had all their squad, who have served them so well this season available, as well as the prospect of Risby making his debut. There was also the added spice that a victory for the visitors would put them level top with a game in hand. It was all set up for something memorable to happen, and it did. The game was still in it's infancy when a Shrubs through ball travelled between Josh and Mickey, and as if coached by Moses himself they parted like the sea to allow the Shrubs striker a simple opportunity to pass the ball into the net to give the home side the lead.

More half chances fell to the home side before slowly Mutford began to get their foot ball together. Eventually they clicked. Phil and Jason causing their usual problems linked after a strong defensive header by Gibbo, and Phil added to his incredible goal tally this season to level the scores.

Gibbo had a chance to give Mutford the lead following a cross field pass from the excellent Joe, but Shrubbies keeper was off his line and saved well. Half time approached and the game was even in score and possession and was lined up for an exciting second half.

The second half was an anti climax as a contest. Shrubs kept their end of the bargain by playing their football and creating lots of chances and converting six of them. Mutford on the other hand declined to compete in crucial areas of the field and at times looked like total strangers thrown together on the day. By the end of the game Shrubs looked like scoring every time they attacked and the final whistle could not come quick enough for the visitors. Shrubs goals came from a variety of attacks, headed from corners, tap ins from low crosses and long shots into the roof of the net.

If it was a boxing match it would have stopped long before end and an enquiry ordered into how such a mismatch could have taken place.

A distraught Mutford Manager said after the game, "Credit to Steve Dent and his boys. They went about their business well. I have given them full marks for sportsmanship. We were conceding so many toward the end they could have took the mickey and we would have deserved it, but they carried on as though it was still 0-0, they are good lads."  

JOHN SMITH sponsored MAN of the MATCH - Joe.

Posted 6^th January 2008