Mulbarton Wanderers

Matthew Dye

Training Tuesday 19:30 to 21:00

Wanderers 5 – 1 Reepham Town Reserves

Starting 11: Harvey, Donovan, Robinson, Holman, K Carter, Balicki, Dye, Simpson, Sutcliffe, Babb, Newbery
Subs: D Carter (60), Holland (60), Brown (70)
Goals: Sutcliffe, Balicki, Newbery, Babb, Holman

Nothing less than three points, a convincing win and a good performance was commanded from the Wanderers management after a hapless display against Redgrave Rangers midweek. And to some extent, Reepham probably picked a bad week to visit Mulberry Park with an under-strength side, as the blue and blacks were not going to let the mid weeks disappointments happen again.

After a battling start from both sides, it was clear that both were suffering a little from confidence and a touch of quality. But as the Wanderers began to settle, their passing football returned and they started to pull the Robin’s around the pitch. Following some good work from Balicki down the right, his smashed cross raced across the face of the goal to see a brave Sutcliffe edge the ball over the line under pressure from the defender and the keeper. And when Wanderers grabbed a second shortly after through Balicki, the team started to breed even more confidence.

A lovely Dye reverse pass from the half way line then set Babb racing away down the wing. After beating the full back he met the by line to pull the ball back to Newbery who finished excellently in the corner from 12 yards. At 3-0 Wanderers were coasting and playing more relaxed football, and three soon became four with the pick of the goals – excellent work down the left wing from Sutcliffe and co, saw a cross field ball right into Balicki’s path through on goal. Despite being presented with a golden opportunity, he unselfishly squared across the keeper with his first touch to see Babb strike home for the Wanderers fourth.

Reepham had been restricted to efforts from outside the box, but Harvey looked assured and focused between the Wanderers sticks to collect everything skidding across the surface.

Half time, Wanderers 4 – 0 Reepham Town Reserves

After a “half of two halves” in which the Wanderers had been out battled and made numerous mistakes in the first 20, they more than compensated for that in the final 25, with a storming finish to enter the break with a four goal cushion. But the team talk focused on erasing the complacent nature that had crept in on Tuesday, making sure that none of this re-entered the minds of the team.

However, huge credit has to go to Reepham, who now completely controlled the first 20 minutes of the second half and made the horrendous weather conditions work to their credit. After grabbing an early and deserved goal to make it 4-1, the Robins seemed reinvigorated and focused on stealing something from the game, with Wanderers needing to dig in and play percentage football.

But as changes were made and weather conditions eased, Wanderers again began to control the game seeing efforts denied by the woodwork and by the linesman’s flag as Holland thought he netted Wanderers fifth. The elusive fifth goal did finally come from a corner. Tom Browns excellent set piece was sent deep into the box to see Danny Holman famously rise like a Salmon and head the ball over the keeper into the bulging net.

Final Score, Wanderers 5 – 1 Reepham Town Reserves

A lot of credit has to be given for this result, especially after everyone was so down after the mid week result. But it seemed to inspire the squad to a second convincing win and put them back on track for the season. What must be learnt from these two games is that no game in this league will be easy, and we certainly do not have the right to just turn up and win. It would have been nice to have played some better football in the second half, given the 4-0 score line, but credit has to go to the Robins who worked extremely hard to the end and never gave up. We now look forward to Saturday’s game away at Munford Reserves, where again we must learn from what has passed to drive improvement and focus on delivering another three points.

Wanderers 1 Redgrave Rangers 6

Starting 11: Churchill, Balicki, K Carter, Holman, Sadler, Brown, Dye, Simpson, Bland, Babb, Holland
Subs: Robinson (65), Newbery (60), Sutcliffe (65)

Wanderers welcomed old adversaries Redgrave Rangers to Mulberry Park expecting a hard game.
Redgrave came out of the blocks quicker and were on top from the whistle and it was no surprise when they went ahead after 6 minutes. They increased their lead after 20 minuts through a defensive mix up. After this Wanderers came into the game and had their best spell of the game and had three good chanes to score which they failed to take. Half time 0 - 2

The half time talk was to the point about competing and passing better. This was to no avail when they went 3 0 down in the first minute from an own goal. Wanderers then had no choice but to push forward and pulled a goal back from D Bland. This gave them some hope but three further goals from Redgrave saw them run out easy winners.

A game in which Wanderers were out thought and out played and Redgrave were deserving of their win.

Wanderers 7 – 1 Saham Toney

Starting 11: Harvey, Balicki, K Carter, Holman, Sadler, Brown, Dye, Simpson, Bland, Babb, Holland
Subs: Robinson (30), Newbery (65), Sutcliffe (65)
Scorers: Babb (3), Holland, Bland, Simpson, Own Goal

After a very encouraging pre-season campaign, the Wanderers welcomed Saham Toney to Mulberry Park for the first league game in Division 5. Intent on picking up as we left off, the lads were focused on the importance of securing the first three points of the season.

From the off, both teams looked well organised and were playing decent football. However it was Mulbarton who drew first blood as Dye headed on from a long Bland throw into the box, to see Babb turn and drill the ball home from close range to make it 1-0.

However, rather than calm any nerves, the Wanderers then entered an unsettled period, where the pressure to win seemed to get the better of them, and the red Saham shirts pressed the blue and blacks back into their own half. The equaliser that followed was no less than they deserved. After a good passage of play, the centre midfielder was released down the right to pull the ball back into the box. Poor defending then allowed the Saham striker two attempts to fire home for 1-1.

It was now that the Wanderers became settled and started to play better football…Babb capitalised on some nervous defending from the visitors back line to head home for 2-1, and two shortly became three after some excellent play down the left saw an excellent Bland cross glanced in by the Saham centre half for 3-1.

Despite continuing to play football, Saham seemed to have the life knocked out of them, as incredibly strong work again from the front two of Holland and Babb saw them gain a league debut goal and first half hat-trick respectively. Pace, power and fluidity in the Wanderers attacking play was proving too much for Saham Toney and the teams entered the break with very different viewpoints.

Half time, Wanderers 5 – 1 Saham Toney

The second half could have been a non contest given the score line, but full credit has to be given to Saham, who continued to play some decent football and put pressure of the Mulbarton back line. However, the Wanderers remained resolute and always looked comfortable turning defence into attack with excellent passing moves.

Further excellent passages of play continued to flow through the team, as Danny Bland was rewarded for his hard work. A superb Tom Brown cross from the right was met at the far post by Bland to nestle in the near corner for 6-1. The night was rounded off in style as Dye again headed on for Simpson, who powered through on goal and delightfully chipped the Keeper to make it 7-1.

Wanderers continued to make a nuisance of themselves in and around the box, as Sutcliffe was also unlucky to see his 25 yard effort come back off the bar. Despite a number of other chances falling to team, the scores remained at 7-1 for the final whistle.

Final Score, Wanderers 7 – 1 Saham Toney

A fantastic way to kick off the season, three points the aim, and three points we got. But we must remember, that is exactly what it was…just three points and no more. So despite a very professional and encouraging performance, the team will stay completely grounded at this stage of the season. We enjoy the result for tonight, but then enter training on Thursday with an increased thirst for the next game at home to Redgrave Rangers, where again we must seek to secure another three points.

East Harling 3 - 6 Wanderers

Starting 11: Newbery, Balicki, Donovan, K Carter, Sadler, Bland, Dye (C), Simpson, Brown, Babb, Holland
Subs: Munro (45), Sutcliffe (35), D Carter (45), Anderson (45), Holman (45) Churchill (45)

Wanderers travelled away to East Harling to pitch themselves against many of the players that beat them to the Division 6 title last year playing for Thetford Athletic. Combine these with the existing East Harling players and we knew that it was going to be a very tough test. And indeed that was the way in which the match began, with the greens passing confidetly around the pitch and making the Wanderers chase the ball. They looked confident in their play and were taking the game to the visitors.

However, this then became their downfall as they began to overplay the ball in their defensive third and an error at their right back released the ball to Danny Bland, who from no less than 40 yards out, lofted the ball sweetly over the keepers head and into the Harling net for 1-0. This seemed to be a hammer blow for Harling who tried to keep playing their football but another mistake let Jonny Holland in who outstripped the defence and finished under the keeper into the far corner. Two became three shortly after as K Carter picked out Babb with a delightful ball in-between the Harling centre halves, and, as he brought the ball down with one foot, he coolly guided the ball into the corner for 3-0.

Harling though did remain with their passing game and were rewarded with a goal from a corner after pressure on the back four. However, 3-1 was a fantastic scoreline to enter the dressing rooms with, as Harling had shaded the possession, but Wanderers were far more potent in the final third.

Half time, East Harling 1 - 3 Wanerers

A number of changes were made at half time including the front two, three midfielders, a centre half and the keeper, but this did not distract the Wanderers from their cause and they continued to press and now began to outplay Harling creating a number of chances. From a Sutcliffe corner Holman rose like a salmon to knock the bal down for Newbery who smartly pulled the ball back to see Anderson open his body and drill home in the corner for 4-1. Newbery then added another two to the score sheet after excellent work from a sharp Munro up front enabled him to ghost in twice and finish smartly from inside the box. I

Credit must go to the Harlng keeper who kept the Wanderers scoreline from pushing past 6 as he stopped Munro three times and Sutcliffe once, all at point blank range. Harling did reply with two neat goals towards the end, but the scoreline proved too much for them to get back in the game.

Final Score, East Harling 3 - 6 Wanderers

Thanks to East Harling for another stern test and we must be very pleased with the way in which the squad has pushed themselves forward during the pre-season campaign. Two wins and two draws against higher oppostition from the combination gives us a massive boost going into our season where the minimum aim is promotion. We all believe we can do it...but its a long campaign and the whole squad must reman vigilant of every opposition we play. We now look forward to entertaining Saham Toney at home next Tues night for our first league game...three points, no less and then look to move on. A stern test now for the management who have the hard test of picking 14 from a squad of 18 string players...

Wanderers 2 – 2 Hempnall Reserves

Starting 11: Harvey, Donovan, Farrow, Holman, Sadler, Balicki, Dye, Brown, D Carter, Bland, Babb
Subs: K Carter (30), Hayward (30), Holland (45), Newbery (45)

As the Wanderers welcomed Ross Potters Hempnall Reserves, we expected no less than a tough game against a very good side hoping to challenge for a place in senior football next year.

And from the start, it was evident that the clarets were well organised at the back, had good movement across the middle and a cutting edge in the form of Lee Barratt going forward.

However, this is the type of team we thrive upon playing, and as much as Hempnall sought to play fast flowing attacking football, it enabled the Wanderers to match them all over the park.

It was visitors that took a deserved lead on the 20minute mark as Lee Barratt ran at the Wanderers defence to curl a 25 yard shot past the helpless Harvey in the far top corner to make it 1-0. He shouldn’t have been allowed the space, but the finish would have beaten any keeper.

In a bid to level before half time, Wanderers carved out a number of chances, with Babb and Balicki getting in behind the defence and forcing point blank saves from the Hempnall keeper on numerous occasions. Hayward was also unlucky to see his volley pushed over the bar and Tom Brown’s effort that beat the keeper was denied only by the post.

Half time, Wanderers 0 – 1 Hempnall Reserves

The dressing room chat focused on the positives of matching the higher opposition, but the fact we need to take the chances when presented…goals win games after all. Holland, on for his debut, and Newbery, changed the front line attack for the second half and it showed the flexibility in the Wanderers squad.

And it wasn’t long before Holland made his impact, as he hassled the Hempnall back four and reaped his rewards to break free and finish on the bottom corner from 18 yards. At 1-1 the Wanderers were looking confident and were clearly the better side; playing some excellent football and pressing the Hempnall back line.

But it was Hempnall again who took the game to Wanderers and the lead from a corner on the right. The ball was drilled in and missed the head of the climbing Hempnall striker, only to see it unfortunately cannon of Carter’s head and into his own net.

The own goal did not seem to phase Wanderers and they knew that if they kept playing their football, a goal would come. The re-introduction of Babb up top to partner Holland, meant that we had two strikers of equal pace that the defence could not handle, and, with Newbery slotting into an attacking left role, more chances came. After some great switching of play, the ball found its way across the left to be drilled across the face of the goal, but had everyone with head in hands as Bland managed to fire over from six yards.

But the goal was coming, and it was not long after that Babb latched onto the ball on the left, skinned the back line and looked up to square to Holland for his second debut goal. Despite more pressure, the Wanderers were unable to deliver the knock-out blow, and the game finished 2-2.

Wanderers 2 – 2 Hempnall Reserves

Another impressive pre-season performance with some excellent football played all over the park. Everyone made their mark on the game, but the biggest impact came from Jonny Holland, who’s pace and power earned him two well deserved debut goals. With Sutcliffe and Robinson available again next week, things are going from strength to strength. Thanks again to Hempnall for an excellent contest and a game played in the right spirit. We all look forward to the next game - away versus Harleston Town, 2pm kick off.

Harleston Town 2 - 2 Wanderers

Unfortunately I wasn't at the game to write a report for this one, but a 2-2 result against a very strong division 3 side is definitely something to be proud of. Another stern test and excelent workout for the lads as Holland and Newbery netted for the Wanderers as they came from 2 down to secure an away draw. Next up is East Harling from the same division on Tues night.

Wanderers 2 – 1 Hoveton Wherrymen

Starting 11: Harvey, Balicki, Donovan, Robinson, Bland, Hayward, Sutcliffe, Brown, Newbery, Babb, Riseborough
Subs: Churchill (45), Anderson (45), Dye (45), Barber (45), Wyer (60), Carter (75)

Despite five members missing out for various reasons, the Wanderers were still able to field a strong squad for the first competitive friendly of the season. The inclusion of three of last years under 16’s is testament also to the talent coming through, and a pleasing situation for the management.

The Wanderers attacked the common end first, in what was a fraught opening 15mins. In the searing heat, both sides were probably playing at 75%, quite content for everyone to get an early touch and settle into the competitive play. Despite best intentions the majority of the play remained in the middle of the pitch as both sides failed to create a clear cut chance.

What was pleasing was the way in which the Wanderers remained resolute in their passing game; not being sucked into some of the kick and rush football it is tempting to play with a blisteringly quick striker.

The best chances of the half indefinitely fell to the Wanderers, as firstly Babb outpaced the fully back on the attacking left to volley a pin-point cross onto the penalty spot for Riseborough to unluckily volley over.

A few minutes later and Babb was running at the Hoveton defence again, carving out a left foot chip for Sutcliffe to volley into the top corner. Somehow the Greens keeper managed to leap across the goal and guide his effort round the post to keep the game even.

The last 15 minutes of the half saw Hoveton pin back the blue and blacks as they began to create a few chances and win a number of set plays. However, the defenders were on top of their game, and with Harvey looking assured between the sticks, he claimed everything that came his way.

Half time, Wanderers 0 – 0 Hoveton Wherrymen

The stats at half time showed that the first half had been very even, with the Wanderers potentially shading the better chances. And, as four subs were made, the team re-shaped with a view to getting in behind the back four and really hurting the Wherrymen.

However, it was the visitors who took the game to the Wanderers, as they tested Churchill (on for Harvey) in the Mulbarton goal, winning a number of corners. Indeed, it was from one of these corners that the blue and blacks were caught napping. A short corner to the edge of the box saw a rasping shot from the Hoveton fullback spilled by Churchill, and headed in by the Hoveton striker for 1-0.

Wanderers were rattled and a few minutes later the Wherrymen were awarded what seemed a soft penalty. But, as the green stepped up and drilled the shot into the corner, Churchill performed heroics to palm the ball out wide and keep the score within reach. Again from the following two corners, Churchill kept the visitors at bay with two outstanding saves.

It was these saves that seemed to spring the Wanderers into life as they now began pressing the Wherrymen. Following some neat football switching the play from right to left, Sutcliffe unleashed a defence splitting pass for Tom Brown to run on to and finish superbly on the half volley – a debut goal he so richly deserved.

With 15 minutes left, Wanderers changed their shape again to go for the win, and the added dimension and renewed confidence seemed to be too much for the visitors. Some one touch passing again down the left hand side found Anderson, who laid the ball into Babb’s path. With still a man to beat, Babb used his best asset as he beat the centre half and finished coolly into the far corner for 2-1.

Babb’s fitness was causing no end of problems in the last ten, and with Dye and Wyer holding in front of the back four, there seemed to be no way back for the Wherrymen. Wanderers were disappointed not to get a penalty in the dying minutes as Babb seemed to be hauled down by the Hoveton centre half, but in the end it didn’t matter.

Final Score, Wanderers 2 – 1 Hoveton Wherrymen

A great start for the Wanderers who’ll be pleased that a lot of the training over the last few weeks paid off. Thanks to Hoveton who proved to be a strong test, and, whilst these games are about fitness, formations and impressing the management, winning is a habit, something we will always aim to do whether it be a friendly or a cup final.

Well done to everyone who played, they all made their mark, especially the back four who were absolutely superb throughout. A special mention to the three lads who came up from the under 16’s from last year, they all impressed and provide food for thought for the management. We now look forward to another two training sessions before our next match at home against Hempnall Reserves.

Pre-Season notes

Following four weeks of pre-season training, we have been delighted to see so many faces committing to both Tuesday and Thursday night sessions every week. Seeing well in excess of 30 faces for each session has been a real plus, especially in a season where the Wanderers have now formed a reserve side. With two fully qualified coaches taking the sessions, we have been approaching pre-season with a new vigour and thirst for the season ahead.

Indeed, the entire squad from last year has re-signed, and with new faces at training as well, it’s set only to be a stronger squad than last season. The rise of the Under 16’s to men’s football is a very encouraging sign for the club, and, after a mixed inter-club friendly on Saturday, they certainly proved they have talent that will grow as the season progresses. Indeed, with so many young faces at training, the future looks very bright for the club…these guys will act as role models for the age groups below them to encourage a steady flow from juniors right through to the first team to keep us going in the right direction.

The inter-club friendly on Saturday just gone (17th) provided an opportunity for the integrated management team to look at all the players on show. It also enabled the squad to get the extra fitness needed – as we all know there’s no substitute for 90minutes on the pitch! With one more week of training before the first friendly of the season for the 1st team, it has given the management something to ponder ahead of selection for the game.

Kicking off at 2.30pm on Mulberry Park, the Wanderers will welcome Hoveton Wherrymen from Division 4 and their new management team. Everyone is chomping at the bit to play and I can’t think of a better first test than a team with renowned management and renewed ambition.

With the reserves having also three confirmed friendly matched in August and the first’s confirmed games against Harleston Town, Hempnall Reserves and East Harling, the club will be set and ready for the seasons commencement…and a mouth-watering one it is too…

Season's End

At their end of season presentation at The Worlds End public house the Wanderers men's team reflected on a successful first season in the Anglian Combination with runners up and promotion secured on the last but one game of the season.
As this was the aim of the management at the start of the season it was mission accomplished.

Thanks were given to Ken Lewis for all his administration work and to Matthew Dye for managing the team this season. We now look forward to next season and with a new Reserve team up and running the future looks good.

With this in mind pre season training starts on Tuesday 29/6/2010 at 7pm on the common.

The following trophies were presented

• Managers Player of the Year - Kristian Carter
  - award presented by Matthew Dye

• Players Player of the Year - Mark Donovan
  - award presented by Matthew Dye

• Michael Grosse Trophy - Ian Babb
  - award presented by chairman Jeff Nurse
  
  (The Michael Grosse Trophy presented in memory of Michael and given to the top goal scorer of all the Wanderers' 11 a side teams)

• Best record at training - Darren Carter
  - award presented by Coach Chris Carter
   

The following players were each awarded trophies on reaching appearance milestones for the club.

• Ian Robinson - 50 appearances

• George Newbery - 100 appearances

• Chris Sutcliffe - 100 appearances

• Danny Holman - 200 appearances

• Karl Hayward - 200 appearances
  
  All presented by Vice Chairman Ken Lewis