30th September 2007 - Home 12.15am KO vs. Loddon Grasshoppers - League

Result - Mutford 5 Loddon Grasshoppers 1

Mutford were forced to come from behind to overcome the Grasshoppers of Loddon.

The game started with Loddon breaking down the Mutford right. The resulting cross was not cleanly gathered by Big L, and the ball dropped kindly for the Loddon striker to slot home within the first minute. Last season Loddon completed the double over Mutford and at no time in either game did Mutford get their noses in front.

The first half hour of this encounter did not suggest anything different. Both sides looked to hit their front players early and Loddon managed to get behind Mutford on a few occasions. Slowly, the back four of Joe, Mickey, A.J and Sam got to grips with the strikers and Gibbo, Brad, Harley and Danny made in roads in the midfield. Jason and Phil were lively up front but kept in check for the most part by strong Loddon back four.

After 20 minutes Motty came on and showed some of his excellent dribbling skills. As the half wore on goals looked scarce until Phil picked the ball up on the edge of the box and curled a right foot effort into the top corner.

Half time was closing in and Mutford at last started to show some life. Eventually the whistle went for half time score of 1-1.

Half Time - Mutford 1 Loddon Grasshoppers 1

At half time Mutford players had been told the importance of the next goal and the home side did not have to wait long. A free kick from the right, floated in by AJ was met at the far post by Harley, who nodded home. This gave Mutford the confidence to go on and play their best football of the season. Fast moving, decisive, penetrative football followed.

Phil added to his seasons tally with a superb individual goal. Winning a header on the edge of the Loddon box, he followed the ball and unleashed a powerful half volley into the net. A cry of 'sensational' was heard from the sidelines and just about summed the moment up. More good football followed with all the Mutford team contributing, from the keeper throughout the Team.

The fourth was best team goal. Good build up play involving Joe, Motty, and finally Harley releasing Brad who slid the ball home from close range. His third in as many games from centre midfield.

The final goal was about the strike pairing. Jason winning the ball and crossing with the outside of his foot for Phil to complete his hat trick at the far post. After the match manager Paul Rose was lost for words with the players, "I generally like to tell them where they went wrong after the game, but I have to say the second half was the best half of football they have given me in seven years. I ended up telling Jason to tidy his room when we get home, it was the only criticism I could think of. Loddon are a lovely team, nice players and parents, they were unlucky to catch us on our best day. We wish them well for their coming games".

JOHN SMITH sponsored MAN of the MATCH - Gibbo.

Posted 4^th October 2007