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The supporters, armed with rain proofs and umbrellas, were greeted
with blazing sunshine as the clouds moved away from the sky over this
prestigious tournament. Held at Heartsease High School, 21 teams were
present from all over the East of England to take part in our age group.
These were divided into 3 leagues of 7 teams. The top 2 teams from each
league would qualify for the knock-out stage together with the two best
third placed teams.
The team of Chris, James W, Ben A, Ben S, Will, Richard and Olli
were determined to have fun and enjoy the day, whatever the weather and
whatever the other teams had in store for them!
Mulbarton’s first game was against Pakefield. Coming from Suffolk, the
teams had never met before and the play got off to a cagey start with
both teams probing each others defences and trying to make the decisive
break. Although hitting the post, Mulbarton could not convert the
pressure into a goal. Five minutes is a very short time for a half and
despite Mulbarton having the better game, they could not score the vital
goal in the time available. However, the boys had proved in their first
game that they were one of the better teams on display. Final score 0-0.
Next up were Gorleston. Once again Mulbarton were the better team
and took the three points when Ben S scrambled the ball over the line
for the only goal. The Mulbarton players showed both good individual
play and good passing moves which cut through the Gorleston defence. The
team looked composed and at ease. Final score 1-0.
Bressingham were the next opponents and were having a good
tournament, having won their first 3 games. However, Mulbarton were in a
confident mood and were looking forward to the game. Games against
Bressingham are always close but Mulbarton were rampant and the referee
had no hesitation in awarding a goal from Ben S’ shot which crossed the
line after hitting the crossbar and bouncing downwards. Once again
Mulbarton were the dominant team and continued to grow in confidence.
Final score 1-0.
It was unlucky for Costessey that they were the next team to play
Mulbarton in the tournament. They met a Mulbarton side playing their
best football. Mulbarton cruised past Costessey with Olli scoring two
well taken goals. Great runs by the Mulbarton players interspaced with
great passing moves left Costessey bewildered as they fought to stay in
the game. Final score 2-0.
Unbeaten, Mulbarton now faced Thorpe ABS, one of 3 teams Thorpe had
entered into the Cup. Mulbarton were now well into their stride and made
the game safe early in the first half with 2 quick goals. Despite
further pressure, Mulbarton could not further improve their goal
difference. Once again the Mulbarton moves were a pleasure to watch.
Final score 2-0.
Despite Mulbarton’s good run of results, the league was still wide
open. Pakefield also had an unbeaten record at this stage and Hellesdon
had only lost one match. Mulbarton’s last league game against Hellesdon
was one Mulbarton had to win or draw to be certain of qualification.
Unfortunately, it was Hellesdon who scored first. A good strike from
close range put the ball through Chris’ legs for Mulbarton to concede
their first goal in the contest. As ever, Mulbarton fought back and it
was Richard who saw a gap and hammered the ball home from outside the
box to equalise. With no further goals scored, Mulbarton qualified for
the knock out stage and had put Hellesdon were out of the tournament.
Final score 1-1.
Having a total of 14 points and a goal difference of +6, Mulbarton
came second in the league to Pakefield, who had a superior goal
difference.
Mulbarton met East Lynn in the quarter finals. Far from outplayed,
the game was in the balance until late in the second half.
Unfortunately, Lynn managed to pressure the ball over the line to take
the victory and send Mulbarton out of the tournament. Final score 0-1.
Pakefield, the team in the same league as Mulbarton, which Mulbarton
drew with early in the contest, made the final, but lost on penalties to
Thorpe Rovers. Mulbarton can take heart that they held the eventual
runners-up of the competition to a draw and should have beaten them! Who
knows what could have happened with a kinder draw for Mulbarton in the
knock out stages.
In summary, this was a well organised tournament, played in a good
spirit and with a high level of skill on show. The day also did wonders
for my sun tan!
With 4 different boys scoring during the games and all the boys
playing today being both willing and able to shoot at goal, the future
looks bright for next season. On today’s showing Mulbarton has nothing
to fear in the coming season.
Finally, many thanks to the manager for arranging the day and his
tactical prowess! A good day was had by all.
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