Mulbarton Wanderers
Under 14

Sponsors of Mulbarton Wanderers U14

Wanderers 4 Hellesdon 1

You know what? They'll make up a song about you. Villages like this, they make up a song about every big thing that happens. They'll sing it for years.’
Chico – The Magnificent seven.

I feared the home match against Hellesdon was going to be a bad tempered affair, but happily this turned out not to be the case.

However, today neither team really looked like they were both fully up for the match and the game started in a subdued mood with both teams guilty of periods of simply losing the ball before any real movement could develop. While the heavy pitch did not help, Hellesdon really did not seem to have the heart for a battle today. From the start Mulbarton were the stronger team, the more organised team, and, for a change, the team that wanted to win more than their opponents.

Their desire to win was boosted by the attitude of Elliott, who fought for everything, and George who was inspirational at the back. When Will got the ball on the wing it was fitting that it was Elliott there to head home for the opening goal. Hellesdon did not seem to be too concerned about this turn of events and Mulbarton continued to pressure the Hellesdon goal. Shortly before the end of the half, Dom scored Mulbarton’s second. This did provoked a good spell in response from Hellesdon, but Chris was on form and made an outstanding double save to stop them getting a foothold back into the game. The half finished with Mulbarton holding onto their 2 goal lead.

Mulbarton continued their fight during the second half and were rewarded with further goals from Ben S and Zeke to put the game beyond Hellesdon’s reach. Mulbarton now showed some periods of good football but both teams tired towards the end and allowed Hellesdon to snatch a consolation goal.

In summary, Mulbarton were the better side in the match, showing both good individual play and some good team work.

Men of the match- George, Elliott and Zeke.

Hellesdon 3 Wanderers 1

Wallace: You tell 'em! I won, didn't I?
Britt: You lost.
The Magnificent Seven.

The team had been weakened by the absence of Ben S, Will, Josh, James W and Oli J but it was Mulbarton who played the better football in the first half and were worthy of their one goal lead at the break. Sadly, the half had been marred by some aggressive play from players which had not been dealt with by the ref and while this was left unpunished, tempers were getting frayed.

The second half started with Hellesdon playing the better football and they scored 2 goals to take the lead. When James C was pushed from behind into the back of a Hellesdon player a penalty was given and the game was over for Mulbarton. However, this was not the end of the controversy, as Chris was sent off for a late tackle outside the area, quickly followed by George for dissent.

What more can be said...

Wanderers 2 Lakeford Rangers 7

Goldfinger- ‘Do you enjoy losing Mr. Bond?’
Bond- ‘I don’t know, I’ve never lost’

In a change of schedule, today’s visitors were Lakeford. The previous encounter had not gone well with Mulbarton just giving up against the bigger, stronger, more determined opposition.

Today’s pitch was muddy, but playable and Mulbarton started, as in so many matches before, the better side. Good work between the attackers broke through the Lakeford defence on several occasions. In one of the best moves, Will’s cross passed in front of the goal, but with no-one to tap in. Lakeford were visibly unsettled -arguing amongst themselves and questioning decisions. It was fitting that 5 minutes later it fell to Will to hammer home for 1-0. Once again in a match Mulbarton had the upper hand. Could they hold on? Of course not!

There followed a good period for Mulbarton and Chris pulled off several spectacular saves, but as in so many games before, the tide was turning. A couple of goal line clearances followed before Lakeford equalised and then took the lead as they scored two goals in quick succession.

The game then followed in the same way as the last outing. Mulbarton could not continue to keep up with the pace and while Lakeford did not in any way play better than they had been, allowed a further 5 goals to be scored against them as the Mulbarton players simply folded. Will scored a second consolation goal against a poor Lakeford defence and, as before, the final score should have been so different.

I cannot understand how a side can play so well for 30 minutes and so badly for the rest of the game. Another game thrown away!

Sprowston Lads 6 Wanderers 1

Alfred- Why do we fall, sir? - So that we might learn to pick ourselves up.
Bruce Wayne- Haven't you given up on me yet?
Alfred- Never. Batman Begins

Four weeks since the last game and the team was short of match practice and training, but as Sprowston faced just the same problems it was a level field.

Mulbarton put out a strong side and started by taking the game to Sprowston. They were lively and shocked their opponents with their strength and determination in the opening minutes. Sprowston looked a shadow of the team that had played us before and had no answer to the pressure. When they gave the ball away in their area, Olly N pounced for 0-1.

The Mulbarton supporters were overjoyed- somewhat surprised- but nevertheless overjoyed. For the next 15 minutes the ball stayed in the Sprowston half as Mulbarton stayed on top – fighting for the ball, closing down the opponents and making space for themselves. However, the cracks started to show before half-time and allowed Sprowston to equalise against the run of play. On balance Mulbarton had won the half in a good show.

The second half started and Mulbarton were a different side. Shocking defending, an obvious lack of fitness, a lack of cohesion and a total lack of closing down Sprowston attackers gave the match away in the first 10 minutes, as Sprowston scored a second, third and fourth. Given so much space and time on the ball allowed Sprowston to score 2 more for a final score of 6-1.

A poor second half threw away the game which started so promisingly and Mulbarton have to be able to play for the whole 80 minutes to survive in the league. Why Mulbarton stopped marking and allowed Sprowston players so much space was a mystery!

Wanderers 1 Thorpe Rovers 7

"A single grain of rice can tip the scale; one man may be the difference between victory and defeat”
The Emperor of China - Mulan.

As the rain fell in the morning everyone wondered if the game would be called off for the second week running. Mulbarton were hoping it would not be for several reasons. Firstly, they needed to get over the crushing defeat from the last game. Secondly, Thorpe were in the middle of the table and were a team Mulbarton might take some points from. Finally, everyone wanted to see the new players actually play a game!

We were not to be disappointed as the pitch looked fine and Thorpe knew they were in for a fight as Mulbarton started a new chapter in their history.

Thorpe started the better team but Mulbarton had obviously put behind them the set back of the last match and were playing some of the best football of the season. Dom and Zeke had fitted well into the side and were playing well in their first match. Mulbarton were passing well, using the width of the field and looked settled. However, Thorpe were making all the early running and broke through on ten minutes when they beat the off-side trap with a good through ball. However, undaunted, Mulbarton continued the battle and the game slowly swung back to be in Mulbarton’s favour. After a good period of Mulbarton pressure, Josh struck home to level the score. The teams now looked well matched as the half time whistle went. Without doubt this was the best half of football Mulbarton had played this season.

The second half started with Mulbarton still playing well, but Thorpe were back in the driving seat. As Chris said- “They always have one more attacker than we do defenders!” and the hope of hanging on for the draw was slipping away. Although Mulbarton were still putting on a brave display, it was no surprise when the Thorpe goal came, sadly, to be followed by a third two minutes later. Now 1-3 down and the light fading, the hail failing and the temperature dropping, Mulbarton’s icy hands let go of the game. They did not have the legs, energy or appetite to carry on and could no longer hold back the Thorpe attack. Their number 7 went around three Mulbarton players and then unbelievably straight through another two and shot past Chris for 1-4. Five minutes later, when Chris could only parry a shot, Thorpe were first there for 1-5 and Mulbarton completely gave up to allow Thorpe their sixth and seventh with little resistance. However, the score line flatters Thorpe in what was a tiring, physical game but Mulbarton did not compete effectively in the last 20 minutes of the game.

Indeed, this was the proverbial game of two halves! In balance Mulbarton had the better of the first half, but Thorpe had the guts, stamina and determination when it mattered in the second to leave Mulbarton standing.

So, while the new players could not make the difference to win the game today, the improvements are obvious and the omens are good as the team improves. Congratulations to Josh on his goal and we hope there are many more to follow. Today’s performance won him his third MotM award in a row. Well done!

Now, finally, it’s time for my Christmas competition-

This film quote from the seventies unfortunately could be used to describe the colour of Chris’ goal keepers top . But what is the name of the film it comes from? The biggest bar of chocolate I can find goes to the person whose name comes first out of the hat from all the correct answers.

“What’s that supposed to be? Sorta a cross between P*ss Yellow and Puke Green, ain't it?”

E-mail your answer to me at- Philip.pennington@norfolk-pct.nhs.uk
Good luck and have a very happy Christmas

Lakeford 9 Wanderers 0

"Do, or do not. There is no try. Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hmm?”
–Yoda. The Empire Strikes Back.

Today was a massive step backwards for the team, as Mulbarton put on their worst display of football this Season. While excuses can be made that George was in Belgium and Lakie was injured, this does not explain the half-hearted performance from the other players.

It all started so brightly- from the whistle Mulbarton broke up the field to immediately threaten the Lakeford goal, but sadly this was to prove the only attack on their goal in the game. From this shock Lakeford came back strongly and Josh could only handle on the goal line when the ball was not cleared. The penalty was simply hammered home giving Chris no chance. Poor defending gave away a second and a third followed when Josh made a strong tackle but unfortunately the ball ballooned of the Lakeford attacker to find the net. 3-0 down after 15 minutes and the game was over. Mulbarton should have gone home at this point and judging by the activity of some players they had already gone, mentally, if not physically. The play was constantly in the Mulbarton half and Lakeford were playing for fun and really enjoying themselves. Their players were mainly unchallenged and allowed to play freely.

The one exception in a lackadaisical side was Josh who never gave up and made tackle after tackle as the rest of the team did little more than watch. Lakeford score a fourth just before half time.

Lakeford were eagerly waiting to start as Mulbarton plodded back onto the field for the second half and soon scored their fifth. Although not much bigger than our boys, Mulbarton were either too scared to challenge the Lakeford players or they just could not be bothered. They were quite happy to sit back as Lakeford carved them apart.

Mulbarton just did not try and did very little on the pitch. It would seem, as Yoda would say, they had decided to ‘do not’ today. As Lakeford continued to score from players in unchallenged positions and from virtually anywhere on the pitch, the game was beginning to get embarrassing.

The Manager has some serious thinking to do before the next game. Next week two new players arrive from Rocklands to bolster the side. It will be a chance to rethink the player’s positions and hopefully start some competition for places. The return to the formation used early in the season proved disastrous today.

Changes HAVE to be made and with some new blood, a new chapter for Mulbarton begins.

MotM- Josh. He was here, he was there, he was everywhere!

Wanderers 0 Sprowston3

Inigo Montoya: It is very strange. I have been in the revenge business so long, if I ever get revenge, I won't know what to do with the rest of my life.
Westley: Have you ever considered piracy?
The Princess Bride.

Could Mulbarton take revenge against Sprowston for the heavy League defeat?
Before I answer that, we start today’s match report with a news flash regarding the league positions.

It is now official Rocklands have folded and therefore will finish the season in twelfth place. The games they have played will be removed from the league (that improves our negative goal difference by 6 straight away!). Norman have yet to get a point and are in eleventh place. Diss had already beaten Rocklands, so those 3 points are void, which leaves Diss with only one point this season to put them in tenth place. We have ninth place with 3 points, just one point behind Hellesdon in eighth. At the moment it looks like the bottom 4 will go down, so eighth place is safe.

So...The season is far from over and once again Mulbarton could escape the drop by beating Norman and Hellesdon and Diss at home. Simple!

Back to today...Torrential rain fell just before today’s match making the pitch heavy and the wind making the conditions difficult. However, the boys are showing steady improvement and those following these reports will see how week by week the team is improving. There was good team play with the team looking balanced and hungry for the ball. The players battled their way through the whole half for a well deserved score line of 0-0 at half time. The boys had run tirelessly and, as ever, while most of the play had been in the Mulbarton half, Mulbarton had threatened the Sprowston goal on several occasions.

Playing down the hill with the wind behind them should have helped Mulbarton in the second half, but it seemed to lead to the ball running away from them and while they still hung on it was clear the team was tiring. Mulbarton now had the majority of attacks on goal, but it was Sprowston who broke through on 80 minutes for the vital goal and Mulbarton were just too tired to respond. This goal was the straw to break the camels back and sadly for Mulbarton, Sprowston scored another 2 before the final whistle as Mulbarton just faded away.

So, today was not a good day for revenge. Instead of turning to piracy Mulbarton faces Lakeford next week. Bring it on!

MotM – Oliver Nicholas.

Old Catton 3 Wanderers 2

‘You think you know what’s coming? You don’t have a clue!’
Oerstadt – Deja Vu

Standing outside the gate of the Old Catton Recreation Ground today, waiting for 3 players to arrive, seemed just like ‘Deja Vu’. Last year the start of the game was delayed as only 10 Mulbarton players turned up and nearly signalled the end of the team. In that game Mulbarton played well, but fell apart in the last 10 minutes to suffer a heavy loss. Would it be the same this year?

No. Today was different. 14 players arrived and Dan and Steve took charge and rang the changes, pulling Lakie back into defence and playing Will upfront with Ben S.

From the start, the team looked well balanced and determined, relishing the new formation. Ten minutes into the match the Catton lineman’s flag was up and the boys stopped playing before realising the ref had over-ruled the decision. Oliver N was first to react, to start playing again, and hit an unstoppable shot for Mulbarton to take the lead.

Mulbarton continued playing well and the changes had completely reformed the team, which looked confident and enjoying their game. Catton scored an equaliser, when the bounce of the ball fooled the Mulbarton defence and allowed the attacker to loop the ball over Chris’ head.

At 1-1 the game was still evenly balanced and although played mainly in the Mulbarton half, was there for either side to win. This was by far Mulbarton’s best performance and were unlucky to see Catton score a second following a corner that was not properly cleared for a score line of 2-1 at half time.

As the second half started Mulbarton were still playing well and playing for each other. The new formation was being a complete success. Mulbarton were still threatening the Catton goal and following a goal mouth scramble, Ben S scored to deservedly level the score. However, Mulbarton were tiring and it did not come as a great surprise when Catton snatched a third and winning goal five minutes before the end.

In summary- This was a good game for Mulbarton, despite the loss. The players looked much better in their new positions and we saw some of the best Mulbarton play this season. The defence looked more solid than it has all season. Well done! I might even look forward to the rest of the games!

MotM- James Whitlock. Defensive rock!

Taverham 12 Wanderers 1

‘Houston, we have a problem’ – Jim Lovell - Apollo 13.

Not one of the better days at the office for Mulbarton Wanderer’s u14’s.

Problem 1- Even before 8.00 a.m. Chris was down with swine flu and caused an early morning wake up call to Paul and a shock for Scott who had to bravely step in between the posts! Lakie looked decidedly ill and bravely struggled through the first half while Josh had a sprained ankle and bravely struggled through the whole game.

Problem 2- Arriving at the Taverham pitch the team found long grass, mud and no white lines on the pitch.

Problem 3- The boys played some good football, but the defence had more leaks than the Welsh rugby team and the game was lost before 20 minutes were up on the clock.

Problem 4 – Mix in some dogmatic refereeing and an injury to James W to nicely round off the day.

...But the season is not over until the fat lady sings and just 3 points would put Mulbarton above Norman, Rocklands, Hellesdon and Diss and in a position of safety from the drop - even if 4 teams are relegated.

These are games Mulbarton has all the talent, determination and the skill they need to win (Rocklands let in 16 goals against Taverham). Now the team must focus on improving and winning those games, but to do so must have learnt their lessons from these harder games.

Wanderers 1 Sprowston Lads 6

"Tomorrow I'll think of some way . . . after all, tomorrow is another day."
- Scarlett O’Hara- Gone with the wind.

Despite early worries that the game would be called off, Sprowston started playing with the wind and the slope in their favour. From the first minute, Mulbarton were struggling to keep back the orange onslaught, having to make tackle after tackle and with Chris showing some of his best play to prevent the rampant Sprowston attack from scoring. However, to their credit, despite the defence being ravaged, it took 20 minutes for Sprowston to break down the Mulbarton defence in a half where the ball remained firmly stuck in the Mulbarton end. Sadly, it always seemed inevitable that Sprowston would score - there were just always too many Sprowston attackers - and a free attacker had the space to slot the ball away after 25 minutes. For the next 5 minutes it was ‘Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn’ from Mulbarton, as they stopped defending, challenging for the ball or making the tackles. Sprowston scored three goals before the half time whistle to put the game out of Mulbarton’s reach at 0-4.

Before Mulbarton even got going in the second half, and despite a roasting from the coach during the break, Sprowston scored a fifth. Then, when it was far too late, Mulbarton woke up.
The side was shuffled, with Sid moving into defence and Josh moving into attack. Josh was a revelation as centre forward and was unlucky to be judged narrowly offside when he put the ball in the net a couple of minutes after taking the role. The tide began to turn in Mulbarton’s favour – all be it a case of too little, too late. In the only good spell of attack Mulbarton had during the game, the ball broke to George who calmly shot wide of the despairing keeper to take the honour of Mulbarton’s highest scorer of the season. Tired legs gave away Sprowston’s sixth goal for a score of 1-6 shortly before the final whistle .

In summary- This was a game thrown away by Mulbarton in 5 minutes of apathy before half time. A theme is appearing here week by week. The players must learn to give 100% all the time. Anything else will be punished by the teams in this league. The players need to tackle hard, play hard and never give up – and do it for the whole 70 minutes!

Oh well, Josh looked good up front and next week is another week.....oh wait.... we’re playing Taverham!

MotM -  Christopher Pennington & Joshua Lawrence

Dereham W 4  Wanderers 2

‘You've got to ask yourself a question--Do I feel lucky? ....Well, do ya punk!’
Harry Callahan- Dirty Harry.

After the high of last weeks game against Diss, everyone hoped Mulbarton would keep their focus and build on the performance. Could Mulbarton keep their run of good play going? Perhaps they just needed some good luck!

Luck was on Mulbarton’s side with Dereham struggling to put together a side and as a result there were a lot of new faces in the Dereham side. However, in this league you need more than just luck!

Once again it was Mulbarton who started the stronger team, but, while taking nothing away from the boys, Dereham looked a shadow of their former selves. Aided by the strong wind Mulbarton piled on the pressure and seemed sure to score. The spectators were pleased to see the team had carried on from where they left off last week, with strong challenges and good passing. When a corner was not cleared it was George who got the vital boot to open the scoring from the resulting goalmouth scramble after 15 minutes. Against the Mulbarton pressure, Dereham were still dangerous on the break. The Dereham attack fought for every ball and when the Mulbarton defence thought they had done enough to see the ball out of play, a Dereham attacker was fast enough not only to get to the ball but cross it to an attacker, totally free, standing in front of the goal. A simple tap-in levelled the score.

Mulbarton continued the pressure and were shooting on target. Ten minutes later Will broke free and shot over the advancing keeper to put Mulbarton back in the lead. However, they could not hold on and it was disappointing to see Dereham level the score again by exactly the same way as their first goal. Once again the defence was completely absent in the middle of the pitch as Richard was forced wide to make the tackle. This shocking lapse left another open goal and the lead thrown away.

With honours even at half time and the wind now blowing in Dereham’s favour, Mulbarton seemed the more tired team as the second half started. While Mulbarton were still playing well, Dereham managed to step up a notch and Mulbarton could not meet their increase in pace. As the match continued Dereham became the more dominant team, with the ball mainly in the Mulbarton half, while Mulbarton made the dangerous breaks. Dereham exploited the weaknesses in the Mulbarton defence, as Mulbarton struggled to keep Dereham at bay. Sadly, it only looked like a matter of time before Dereham would score and through a combination of their pressure and Mulbarton defenders failing to clear the ball, Dereham scored the vital goal to take the lead. The Mulbarton players were visibly tiring, but no substitutions were made. As Dereham took control of the match, they sewed the game up with a fourth before the final whistle.

In summary- this was another good performance from the team and one they should be proud of. The negatives were the fitness levels of some players and not making sure the ball was out of play before they gave up chasing it! Also, while some players gave 110%, others were more half-hearted. In this league you have to give it all you have. The decision not to use the subs until 5 minutes left seemed odd, especially in view of some players obviously struggling with the pace early in the game. In the end Dereham were the more determined side and a Dereham win was the fair result. However, with a bit more alertness, a bit more determination and, of course, just a bit more luck, Mulbarton could have held the draw.

MotM- George Rhatigan.

Diss T 1 Wanderers 2

‘I’m the king of the world!’ – Jack (Titanic)

Would the break from League Football last week work to the manager’s advantage? Nobody knew if the team would be out of match practice or refreshed after the rest.

It would seem to be the latter, as Mulbarton threw themselves into today’s match against Diss. Mulbarton, once again from the first whistle, looked the stronger team. While Mulbarton had started games like this before, today they continued to play good passing football and looked nothing like the side that had appeared in the first matches of the league. Mulbarton were determined, strong and organised and were managing to get the shots away. Denied a deserved goal by a combination of narrow offside decisions and good goal keeping, Mulbarton continued to keep the pressure on the Diss goal. Diss pulled 6 players back to defend, but seemed uneasy and unsettled in the face of the Mulbarton pressure .There was passionate play from both sides, Chris being called on to make a couple of sharp saves to keep morale up and his sheet clean. But this week it was Mulbarton who were in the driving seat and staying there. Mulbarton made the play, got to the ball first and made most of the running. While both teams realised the game was still there to be taken and Diss still looked dangerous on the break, today it was Diss who found themselves mis-kicking the ball, their passing going astray and being second to the ball.

Mulbarton completed a good half but could not find that vital goal before the half time whistle.

The second half started in the same way- fast Diss breaks against sustained Mulbarton pressure. Without exception, all the Mulbarton players were playing well. However, when Chris could only punch out a corner from under his crossbar Diss followed up, to open the scoring against the run of play, with a powerful header. While it was still early in the half and despite encouragement that the game was not over, the Mulbarton spectators expected a collapse. To their relief, this did not happen as Mulbarton got straight back into the game, despite facing what now seemed a mountain to climb. Ten minutes later Mulbarton breathed again as Oliver J levelled the score by returning the favour and scoring a brilliant goal with his head from a corner.

After the disappointing games this season Mulbarton would have settled for a point, but Diss were tiring and Mulbarton could taste victory. Still playing at a high tempo, shot after shot was taken against the Diss goal. With 10 minutes left on the watch the ball broke to Scott, whose exquisite left footed shot was placed to perfection just inside the right post to put Mulbarton in the lead. In the following minutes the spectators nails were chewed to the bone, but Diss could not break through the Mulbarton defence for Mulbarton to take a hard fought, but well deserved victory.

This was a very different performance to previous weeks, but the level of football on display was what we always knew you were capable of. Well played and welcome back!

Man of the match - Oliver Nicholas.

Wanderers 0 Jex Rangers 6

‘Start using your head. That's the lump that's three feet above your ass........
Are you crying? Are you crying? ARE YOU CRYING? There's no crying! THERE'S NO CRYING IN BASEBALL!’
Jimmy Dugan (Manager)- A league of their own.

While it was the spectators who felt like crying after the last matches, everyone was hoping for a change in fortune.A poor turn out at training due to the Norwich match had frustrated the Manager, who is determined to sort the defence as his first priority. Nether-the-less, the game should have been one of the easier ones for Mulbarton this season – a draw should have been a fair result. Once again, this was not to be!

The early chances fell to Mulbarton, but as in the last matches, the strikers could not find the net or the final touch. From the kick off Mulbarton looked the better team, as they have in parts of other matches, but it did not last.  An early goal would have settled the nerves, but the strikers were foiled by a lack of physical size against the large Jex defenders -they often lost the ball before they got the chance to strike. However, there were also signs, in some quarters, of a lack of determination and fitness from the Mulbarton attack. Sometimes the strikers were just unlucky and failed to get the rub of the green and the bounce of the ball. Whatever the excuse, the play was not good enough for the ball to find the net. However, at the other end of the field the Mulbarton defence was also having a torrid time. Jex only needed one chance and with their movement off the ball it was only a matter time before they got it. A static defence could only watch as Chris was caught one-on-one and the Jex striker scored a simple goal. The spectators were incredulous as once again Mulbarton pressure accounted for nothing, while Jex score an easy goal on their first attack.

After this, the match went the way of previous matches. Mulbarton did not play badly- they were just not good enough against a bigger, stronger, more organised, more determined and fitter side. Mulbarton found themselves 0-4 down by half time.

There is really nothing more to say about the second half. There was more poor finishing and more poor defending, although it must be said that on balance the attack looked better than it had in the first half and the defence looked more solid, more alert and reliable than it had in the first half. Mulbarton with their heads down shipped two more goals before the final whistle.

This was not a game enjoyed by the players or spectators, but the themes in this report seem to be much the same as last week. While the team is far from bursting into tears and going home, as a wise man said last season,- ‘Time for plan B’.

Wanderers 0 Thetford Bulldogs 4

Obi-Wan: " I have a bad feeling about this, Master."
Qui-Gon: " Your feelings serve you well obi-wan, but don't let them cloud your judgement" ...
Star wars- The Phantom menace.

So, after last weeks surprise defeat, another unknown team arrived at Mulbarton. Nobody was expecting an easy match... this time. The Thetford team ranged in height from taller than Josh to shorter than Ben, but they looked fit and eager to play.

Sanctions had been taken against some players for whom it was felt had not taken training seriously enough on Tuesday. Despite this, to be honest, the teams seemed quite balanced in the opening minutes, but, as in the last match, Mulbarton’s passes found Thetford feet, Mulbarton’s clearances found Thetford heads and 50/50 balls were invariably won by Thetford. It was not that Mulbarton were playing badly-but they lacked the accuracy and strength in attack to threaten the Thetford goal. Generally, the team lost, or simply gave away, possession far too easily all over the pitch.

While not looking much better than the Mulbarton team, Thetford made the best of their chances and showed much more clinical finishing. It did not come as a surprise that they opened the scoring after 5 minutes following a good passing move. A second was scored 10 minutes later and sadly a third and fourth before the half time whistle. The ball had been firmly in the Mulbarton half for most of the time- the Mulbarton attack just seemed to break down and fizzle out before they got through the Thetford defence. The Thetford keeper had not been unduly troubled for the whole 35 minutes.

In the second half those who had been punished returned to the field and Mulbarton got stuck into the job at hand. The team looked much stronger and in this half the standard of play we saw from Mulbarton was some of the best so far this season. As the half continued there were sustained periods of good Mulbarton play. The Mulbarton defence did not look troubled during the half and Thetford no longer looked like scoring at all, but unfortunately the damage had already been done. The final touch and finish were still missing from the attack and Mulbarton could not get their well deserved consolation goal that could bring them back into the game. Final score – 0:4.

Ok, so today we saw some promising signs of recovery, but it is still not either the standard expected from these players or the standard required to compete in this league. It needs to be a steep learning curve as they face Jex next week. The pre-season friendly match against them had resulted in an embarrassing defeat. Let’s hope Mulbarton can turn that defeat round when it matters for the points.

Wanderers 1 Rocklands 7

My momma always said, "Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get”
- Forrest Gump.

Today’s film quote was obvious!
With the players being texted directly, only Paul really knew who was in the team. So, this was to be surprise number one. Secondly, how would the team play? They have a habit of putting on an unexpected great performance when least expected. Finally, who are Rocklands? It had been many years since the two clubs were in the same league. They scraped promotion from the ‘B’ league as Poringland decided not to go up. Would they prove to be a soft centre or a hard one?

Rocklands looked unsure of themselves and worried as they warmed up. Mulbarton, on the other hand, looked full of confidence.

From the kick off Mulbarton looked the stronger side, Rocklands continuing to look unsure of themselves and relying on their tall striker for all their moves. Mulbarton ran well and passed to feet and dominated the early play, but the cracks were showing. Mulbarton could not finish. A couple of shots were so miss hit they did not even cross the line for a goal kick. At the other end, the Mulbarton defence were absent and Rocklands found themselves in great unmarked positions. The first shot on target actually came from Rocklands, against the run of play, when Josh had to head a clearance off the line.

It looked impossible that for all their possession Mulbarton could not score but it took 30 minutes before Ben S’ shot came off the keeper to open the scoring. This should have settled the nerves and been the building block for a great victory. Should have been....

Rocklands look shocked and seemed happy to sit back and accept defeat, but Mulbarton were also in a lazy mood. Instead of pushing, Mulbarton too sat back and following a quick break, the Mulbarton defence were once again absent for Rocklands to put the ball through Chris’ legs for 1-1. The half finished with Mulbarton playing like they were too tired and not bothered to make an effort.

At the start of the second half Mulbarton still looked tired and really did not seem to care about the match. To my mind this was the real difference between the team. Rocklands had the desire to win and scored 2 goals in 3 minutes to put the match beyond Mulbarton’s reach. However, they were not finished yet. Mulbarton started arguing between themselves and while passing the ball well around the middle third of the pitch failed to defend and failed to effectively attack the Rocklands goal. Mulbarton became desperate as attackers tried to take on the whole Rocklands side in an attempt to score.

Rockland just continued with their clinical finishing as time after time the Rockland players found themselves completely unmarked. Finally, Mulbarton just gave up.

The final score - a crushing 1-7 defeat against a team that ended up in the ‘A’ league by default.
Congratulations to Rocklands who really deserved the victory. However, something really needs to change with the Mulbarton team who should have played so much better.

Wanderers 0  Taverham 7

‘I'll be back! Ha! You didn't know I was gonna say that, did you?’
‘That's what you always say’
‘I do???’
(Jack Slater-The Last Action Hero)

So, the all new style, all new management and all new look team took to the field for the first time. But was it still going to be a case of ‘same old Mulbarton’? To be absolutely honest the friendly matches had not gone that well, with the team struggling with fitness and struggling to keep shape on the pitch.

Kieron, Connor, Jake, Ed , Archie , Josh D and Joey have not come back for this season, but we have been joined by Elliot, Tom W, Tom B, Dan and Chris G. Welcome to all of all! I hope you will enjoy your time with the team. The role now stands at 18 players all who seem to be fully committed to the side and competition for places is going to be strong. The new players were keen to make an impression- the old players were keen to hold their places!

The pitch was huge and the goals were huge! Chris looked tiny between the sticks.
From the start of the match Taverham were the stronger side. They shredded the Mulbarton defence and scored their first after 10 minutes with a tap in from a good cross. The goal was well deserved. Taverham were the fitter, stronger and more determined team. Mulbarton could not get the ball clear and the ball stayed firmly in the Mulbarton half. It was only going to be a matter of time before Taverham’s second, which came from an unmarked attacker having time to choose his spot. Mulbarton failed to use the width of the pitch and just could not compete with the pace of the game. Elliot and James C had to come off with injuries which gave the Coach a chance to make substitutions and reshape the side. However, it made no difference to flow of the game. Attack after attack followed by Taverham. The Mulbarton defence and mid-field could not match the speed and pace of the Taverham players. They struck from all over the pitch and score a third before the break.

By half time the game was all but lost, but, lowering their sight, Mulbarton aimed to at least keep the score at 0-3 and at least score one goal in return. After the restart we saw Mulbarton’s best period of football with some good moves. Unfortunately, some players still seemed over whelmed by the size of the pitch and just seemed to be static, not moving away from their markers. For some reason every pass made by the Mulbarton team seemed to find a Taverham boot, every clearance a Taverham head and every 50-50 ball a Taverham player.

Sadly, after 15 of the half Mulbarton had run themselves to a complete standstill and the Taverham onslaught began again. Once again the ball was always in the Mulbarton half and Taverham score a further four goals as Mulbarton rolled over and gave up the fight. The whistle was greeted with relief by the Mulbarton players.

This was a tough opening game and there were the usual early season fitness problems.
However, as for ‘Same old Mulbarton....’? Yes, I am afraid so.