9th September 2007 - Home 10.30am KO vs. Waveney C - League

Result - Mutford 2 Waveney 3

The spectators at the Mutford Village ground were left as breathless as the players at the end of this action packed 80 minutes of football. Five goals, two penalties, world class saves and lung bursting efforts from the players all made this a game to remember and left both sides able to feel reasonably happy with their performances.

From the kick off Mutford set about their game trying to dull the silky smooth skills of the talented Waveney side. The back four of Joe, Mickey, AJ and Sam, making his debut at right back, communicated well and their positional play was superb as they set about their task doggedly. Big Liam in goal gave his considerable vocal support to aid their concentration as both sides battled out for control of the game.

The break through came mid way through the first half with Mutford committing a foul just inside their own box and a penalty awarded to Waveney. The resulting spot kick was well taken to the keeper's left giving him no chance. 1-0 to Waveney. This was a crucial phase of the game for the home side. To concede again at this point could have ended the game as a contest, fortunately this was not the case. The midfield of Josh, Brad, Gibbo and Danny contains a good combination of strength and energy and had a fabulous dual all the first half with Newrick, Cole, Gook and Haylock reminding every one of what fantastic players they are for Waveney.

Mutford's strike force of Phil and Jason were working well together. The Big Man-Little Man combination reminiscent of Heskey and Owen at their best. The good work by the strikers in the first half probably just gave the edge to Mutford in terms of shots, but I don't think any one watching had time to count !!

Half Time Mutford 0 Waveney 1

The second half saw the pace slow a little and the opportunity for more controlled football to be played. Waveney also introduced the lively Baker to the attack and his intelligence and trickery was always going to cause problems. Sure enough 15 minutes into the second half, Baker, twisting and turning, doubled Waveney's lead. But the relief was short lived as immediately form the re-start, Phil, who else?, was found with a clever through ball and calmly lobbed the advancing keeper to take the score to 2-1 Waveney.

The final third of the game then settled into a pattern. With Mutford's two central midfielders of Brad and Gibbo picking up slight knocks and adopting holding roles the home side were forced to play on the break. Jason was winning plenty in he air and his knock on released Gibbo whose deft touch looked goal bound until the Waveney keeper pulled off a save that only be described as top drawer.

The next breakthrough came from a cross from Waveney's right that struck the unlucky Sam on the hand resulting in a second penalty. Again, an excellently taken kick left Liam with no chance and Waveney 3-1 up. This secured the match for Waveney but again Mutford's spirit saw them perform some heroic defending, and just as the game was done the irrepressible Phil popped up and scored his second of the game with a powerful right foot shot.

Final score Mutford 2 Waveney C 3

Mutford manager Paul Rose said after the game "What a fantastic game of football. Both sets of players gave their all. We were concerned before the game that our first game back in the A league could be a bit much against one of the strongest teams but we gave a good account of ourselves. Hopefully this will give one or two players who had doubts the confidence to go on and make their mark in the A league."

Special mention must go to Referee Zak, who showed great character in a highly charged atmosphere and completed a commendable performance in the middle.

JOHN SMITH sponsored MAN of the MATCH - SAM for a great display at right back.

Posted 11^th September 2007