7th October 2007 - Home 12.15am KO vs. Kirkley & Pakefield B - League

Result - Mutford 5 Kirkley & Pakefield 1

Mutford had to overcome an injury crisis to progress to the Knock Out Cup Quarter Finals against a lively K&P team at the Village Hall ground. With Jonny, Jack and Horney all injured and of those playing, Brad (illness) Liam ( bruised hand) and Joe (calf) all less than 100% Mutford were down to eight fit players.

The game started at a gentle pace with both teams looking for openings. K&P looked particularly bright up front with the pace of Tommo causing some concern for the home team. Jordan Palmer in the K&P midfield was also looking bright on his return to Mutford, having served the home team for six seasons before his summer move.

The deadlock was broken by Mutford after a stunning piece of brilliance from right back Sambadino. Picking the ball up deep in his own half he demonstrated the breathtaking pace that he posseses to run through the midfield, slipping tackles as he went, eventually releasing the ball on the edge of the K&P area to Phil, whose first time pass found Harley and he coolly slotted home.

K&P soon fired back and a powerful strike from the edge of the area forced Liam into a tremendous save, tipping the ball onto he bar. The home side then got into their stride and the second goal followed shortly after. Good work by the Mutford midfield found Phil on the edge of the box and he continued his excellent early season scoring form to double the lead. The third Mutford goal came from Jason, heading in a corner at the far post. As half time closed K&P won a throw inside the Mutford half and Tommo's quick thinking took him beyond the defence from the throw and he placed his shot beyond Liam.

Half Time Mutford 3 K&P 1

The second half got under way and the next score was going to be vital. Fortunately for Mutford Harley again came the rescue, arriving with perfect timing on the edge of the box his half volley was struck to perfection beyond the keeper. Phil, always a threat snatched his second shortly after make it 5-1 to the home side.

Finally the lack of substitute options and injuries began to tell and it was down to the home side defending doggedly as K&P threw everything forward to save the gane. Two further to class saves from Liam and a Palmer strike that glanced the bar kept the game alive to the end.

Final score Mutford 5 K&P 1

After the game Manager Paul Rose said " I am relieved to have won that one. I looked around at the boys at the start and had a few doubts, I thought we were tired and obviously carrying a few knocks. Gibbo did well for us at the back, coming in next to AJ, Danny and Josh did well in the wide areas. They were very good up front and will score a lot of goals this season. It was good to see Jordan Palmer again, he played really well. He's a cheeky chappie and I like him."

JOHN SMITH SPONSORED MAN OF THE MATCH ; LIAM BRYANT. TOP KEEPER !!.

Posted 15^th October 2007