Scole Lads 0 -v- Mulbarton Wanderers 1

Dereham 0 - Mulbarton 0 AET
Dereham won 3-2 on penalties

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Mulbarton Wanderers U9 were playing away from home at Blofield and the game started well with both George and Jordan creating scoring opportunities for Max and Tom N. However, with only the keeper to beat, their final strikes lacked sufficient pace and direction to really cause the goalie any concern.

Blofield, realising the danger picked up their game and offered some good probing counter attacks, at times had three strikers on two defenders – James and Scott G did well to soak up the pressure, ably helped by Chris in goal.

The pitch, especially in the goal areas, was a mud bath and players on both sides were slipping and sliding in their efforts to control the ball. Feeding the ball forward from a goal kick Mulbarton opened the scoring with a spectacularly powerful strike from the half way line. The curving shot from Scott G beat the goalie, smashed off the upright and bounced back into the net off the keeper’s back. But this was not enough to dampen Blofield’s spirits and when one of their attackers spotted Chris a little too far off his line was able to float the ball in over his head for a 1-1 half time score.

Substitutions in the midfield/striker roles saw Joe and Scott H play a commendable second half, but Mulbarton lacked the real bite and finish which characterised their game earlier in the season.

George played a fine match on the left wing beating players and producing some good crosses, and his will to win earned him the ‘manager’s man of the match cup’, but final strikes were not good enough to beat a competent Blofield defence and an ‘on-form’ keeper.

Due to strong attacking James and Jordan were forced to play a deeper defensive role than they are used to, this changed the shape of the side and stifled attractive football. Chris made some good saves and at one point the game was stopped to have mud wiped out of his eyes. Mulbarton battled to the end but the final result saw the sides share the points, and a big pile of dirty washing!

Daniel

Mulbarton 1 Rockland 1

5 November 2005

Mulbarton Wanderers U9’s exerted good early pressure with strong runs by Tom N and shots on goal from Scott G and George. However, Rockland weathered the storm and started to play better restricting Mulbarton to breaking out of their half rather than dominating at the front.

Joe, playing in centre forward position received some good through balls from both the mid field and defence, showed good balance and control but tended to dwell too long on the ball before shooting. In the tenth minute a free kick was awarded against Rockland, taken by James and brought nicely under control by Tom N who passed to Joe, unluckily the final shot was well defended.

James played a commanding captain’s role with his strong runs and accurate passing exposing Rockland defence. The best move of the half came from Jordan picking out George with a fine pass, the ball nicely dribbled down the wing and crossed for Joe whose shot was struck well but saved.

The second half started with Rockland attacking in numbers and great defensive play by Jordan. Mulbarton’s response was a concerted effort involving Joe, George, Scott and Max which panicked a Rockland defender into making a wild back pass which his keeper had no chance of stopping, the ball travelling nicely into the corner of the goal. Rockland, stung by this setback were determined to make amends and a good break down the right wing found space which was exploited by a strike on goal, parried by Chris, but the lose ball dropped to the strikers feet who shot into the unguarded net.

James was awarded man of the match for very hard work in a defence that was not well supported by the midfield. Rockland looked the better-organised side who would have been disappointed with the final score of 1-1          

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Mulbarton 1    Spixworth 1

Mulbarton Wanderers U9’s started tentatively with an unnecessary foul by Scott G gifting a free kick to Spixworth. Excellent play by Jordan won back possession and his intelligent passing set up good moves for Tom N and Scott G, but their shots lacked the necessary bite to trouble the Spixworth keeper. Mulbarton had a succession of long range but ineffective strikes and did not really work the ball into the box for best shooting opportunities. A rare Spixworth attack exposed a disorganised Mulbarton midfield and Jordan played well to clear the danger. The stalemate was broken in the tenth minute when George beat a defender and whipped in a cross for Max to tap home from close range. Mulbarton spent most of the remaining half camped in front of the Spixworth goal, again shooting from long range with the best opportunity falling to Tom N who unfortunately failed to connect cleanly with the ball.

The second half saw Mulbarton dominating a lack lustre Spixworth but unable to convert the many scoring opportunities. On rare occasions Spixworth attacked and although Scott H looked uncomfortable playing at full back he made some excellent clearances until a goal mouth scramble saw Chris appear to have two hands on the ball which was subsequently forced over the line. The referee signalled a goal adjudging that the ball was not sufficiently under the keepers control.

James and Scott G dug deep in an attempt to rally a tired Mulbarton whose will to win appeared to have evaporated. Chris was nominated man of the match but overall this was a most disappointing result for Mulbarton who lacked commitment, organisation and a desire to play to the end of the match and win, reflected in the final result a 1-1 draw.

Daniel Whitlock

Mulbarton Wanderers U9’s Manager 

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What a relief to get back to winning ways after the disappointment of last weeks dismal performances. An easy tap in for George, nicely set up by Scott G and a similar poacher's goal from Max were enough to see off the Hethersett team whose squad was weakened by a chicken pox virus.

The game, over 4 quarters allowed the manager to try out the whole squad and was rewarded by some good passing and defending - especially from Chris G - the managers man of the match.

Mulbarton Wanderers U9’s started positively with good passing play from Jordan on the right wing and Tom N in central mid field finding Max operating in his favoured centre forward position. However, the team was unable to convert the early pressure into goals. Poringland absorbed the attacks through a combination of good positional play in defence combined with a speedy and skilful right wing.

Mulbarton came agonisingly close to opening the scoring when a well struck shot hit the left hand upright, skidded along the goal line only to hit the other post and bounce back into play, unfortunately, cleared to safety by a Poringland defender.

Both sides settled into the game and were evenly matched with defence linking well with midfield play. James W showed skilful turning ability, good ball control and the vision to play a passing game out of defence. Scott was full of running and alert to any opportunity - narrowly missing the top left-hand corner with a fine strike close to the half time whistle.

Poringland entered the second half determined to win and played a strong physical game. When the Mulbarton attack broken down Poringland responded very quickly catching mid-field out of position and lead footed. They split the defence with a three-man counter-attack and whilst Chris got a hand to parry the shot he was unable to drop onto the ball before it was volleyed into the back of the net from short range.

Mulbarton exhibited good character by not giving up and fought hard to get back into the game. George and Jordan found the bitingly cold conditions difficult to play in and were not really able to warm up enough to show their usual football ability. James C was brought on as substitute – playing his first game for the club at league level. He contributed positively to the game and although a lack of match experience showed in a tendency to follow the ball and drift out of position, this was countered by an enthusiasm, which helped motivate the side.

Mulbarton worked hard to gain the equaliser but the game degenerated into stop/start football with lots of throw-ins. The many breaks in play stopped attractive football any stifled attacking pressure. Scott took home the Manager’s man of the match cup for showing 100% effort and determination to win. Mulbarton were disappointed to lose 1-0 (their first league defeat of the season) - a draw would have been a better reflection of the game.       

A dominant opening period for Mulbarton Wanderers U9’s saw Jordan produce a lovely pass that split the mid field and found Joe who tapped the ball forward, ran on, and delivered a powerful strike on goal. The keeper was well beaten and it was great to see Joe’s first league goal for the club.

Silfield tried to get back into the game but James W, Jordan and Scott were resolute in defence. Chris played a commanding role in goal, giving clear direction to his backs and encouragement for the team in general. He made some brave saves picking the ball off attackers feet and Tom N, covering the goal behind him, saved an equaliser by clearing off the line.  

Mulbarton entered the second half well in control of the game and a short corner quickly taken by Tom N found Scott who turned and struck at the near post. The ball skidded through legs and into the back of the net. With Mulbarton pressing for goals and Scott eager to add to his tally, Silfield counter attacked and James and Chris had to contend with three forwards whilst the team back peddled to regain their shape. Silfield’s pressure was eventually rewarded with a goal.

 Having rested George for some of the match his substitution for the last five minutes produced the best goal of the morning. Tom N floated the ball across the face of the goal to George who was unmarked at the far post. The volley was perfectly struck into the back of the net.

As captain, Tom N worked extremely hard, leading the team by example and was awarded Manager’s man of the match for his goal line clearance and general contribution to the forward line. The final result a well-deserved 3-1 win for Mulbarton.

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Mulbarton Wanderers U9’s knew it was going to be a crucial match as Norman were two points ahead in the league having lost only one game earlier in the season – a game from which Mulbarton had emerged 2–0 victors.

Norman applied pressure from the start and within the second minute a penetrating run down the left wing was finished by a powerful strike on goal. Chris P produced a spectacular diving save covering the top left-hand corner of the goal and keeping Mulbarton in the match.  Jordan showed determination and dependable characteristics in the role of central defender, making good tackles and frustrating the Norman forwards.  James W and Scott G played as wing-backs putting their speed and strength to good use in linking between defence and attack – this ensured that the width of the pitch was used to good effect and helped to maintain the shape of the side. After a tentative start Mulbarton began to play good passing football and worked the ball into the Norman box on a number of occasions. George, wearing the captain’s armband, had a physically tough game in midfield but was still able to pull away from his marker and deliver some fine crosses, unfortunately the final touch on goal was elusive.

The second half produced end to end thrills with Joe and Max coming frustratingly close to scoring and Mulbarton defence playing equally well. This was a fine team effort against a well-organised and determined side. The game was interrupted on a number of occasions as felled players received attention. After a particularly hard tackle Max had to come off the pitch, replaced by Scott H who contributed positively for the last five minutes of the game.

Manager’s man of the match was a difficult decision to take because all players put in fine performances, however, the title goes to Max because of his hard work throughout the game and positive attitude in midfield. Both sides accepted the 0-0 draw as true reflection of a hard fought battle.

A friendly match was played after the tension of the league encounter was over and this gave an opportunity for substitutes to play a full game.

Tom W led the side and produced a brace of goals in the first half, both were enjoyable to watch but one was particularly nice – whereby the ball was brought skilfully under control and half-volleyed past the diving keeper.

Norman countered with substitutions in the second half with the aim of bolstering their attack. The tactic worked and a couple of goals were scored in quick succession. To stop the rot James W was brought on to anchor the Mulbarton defence. His stabilising influence allowed the game to play out a 2-2 draw.

Tom W was unanimously voted man of the match.    

Daniel Whitlock

Mulbarton Wanderers U9’s Manager 

Mulbarton Wanderers U9’s started positively with good linking midfield play between George and Tom N. The boys worked a nicely weighted ball through the Salhouse defence into the path of Joe who struck powerfully to test the keeper. The early pressure was rewarded when Scott G broke from the half way line, playing as a traditional  ‘wing-back’, dodged a couple of tackles and opened the scoring with a spectacular left foot shot which powered into the back of the net.

Salhouse responded to the sting of the opening goal by showing some skilful individual play in their midfield and attack but Chris was well in command of his goal area, making saves, shouting instructions and general encouragement to the team. Jordan, as central defender, broke up and frustrated Salhouse efforts and showed pace in response to counter attacks.

James displayed growing confidence in his ability to take on and beat players out of defence. He found space on the right wing to gain territory and made a number of useful through balls and crosses.

Scoring opportunities came in the second half when corners and crosses scythed through the Salhouse box, however, Mulbarton attack were unable to make the decisive contact. Salhouse packed players behind the ball in defence and it took substitutions to lift Mulbarton out of the doldrums. Scott H immediately made a difference to midfield play - chasing loose balls and coming close to scoring himself.

The match was sealed when Joe tapped a short corner to James who beat two players before sending the ball across the face of the goal to George who netted at the far post. A convincing 2-0 win for Mulbarton with Scott H elected manager’s man of the match.

Mulbarton Wanderers U9’s played a physically robust Firside. The game needed good character, strength and determination as close man to man marking took Scott G’s creativity out of the match. The fixture was characterised by stop/start football. James, wearing the captains arm band, lead by example and it was good to see Mulbarton playing well as a team, keeping formation, and supporting each other in a tough match. Jordan showed grit in defence and the midfield dug in well to let the ‘football do the talking’.

The second half saw a tired Scott H swapped for the rested legs of Tom N and this helped to invigorate the side.

Joe’s hard work as centre forward was rewarded by a well-taken goal in the last five minutes of the game.

Man of the match was a difficult decision to take as all the boys played their part, but on balance Joe took the title for his match winning strike. Final score 1-0 to Mulbarton 

 Daniel Whitlock

Mulbarton Wanderers U9’s Manager 

A comprehensive victory played in very breezy conditions.

Mulbarton started brightly playing up the slope and good breaks down both wings caused the Costessey keeper some pressure which was dealt with. Gilt edged chances were not put away. The Costessey defence were lucky to survive the onslaught particularly when a driven corner from James W hit the post and rebounded to James C who saw his shot cleared off the line. As Costessey tired Mulbarton continued to press but could not find their rhythm. The break through came in the second half when Joe took a corner from the left causing confusion in the Costessey box. The keeper came but fumbled and the ball ended up ion the back of the Costessey net.

It looked certain that  Mulbarton would add to their tally but again the link play let them down. Realistically Costessey did not look like scoring an equaliser and Mulbarton ran out winners.

Mulbarton Wanderers kept their title hopes alive by a hard fought victory away at Rockland. Mulbarton started the game the brighter with persistent running by Joe winning an early corner in the first minute but Mulbarton were left to rue their luck as chances by Scott G and George came to nothing. Rockland came back into the game as the half developed but good understanding by the defence and smart tackling and passing between James and Jordan meant Chris was rarely troubled. The deadlock was broken on 7 minutes as Scott G made a strong run from midfield and tucked the ball into the bottom right corner of the net for 1-0. Mulbarton’s confidence grew and the quality of their football was as good as we have seen all season. The score should have been doubled when some strong defending by Max saw his clearance fall to Joe on the left. Joe easily beat his marker and put in Scott G whose rasping shot was beaten away by the Rockland keeper. Mulbarton really turned the screw and sharp shots from George, Joe and Scott G could all have increased the lead. The second half saw Scott H come on to play a midfield holding role but there was no end to the Mulbarton Pressure -  Scott G saw an effort strike the post as the side carved out more opportunities.

 Rockland were restricted to breakaways and almost scored against the run of play in a one-on-one with Chris who saved well. A fluent passing game that was comfortably won 1-0 but it could have been 6 or 7. Tireless running and sharp shooting made Scott G Man of the Match

With only 2 games remaining Mulbarton needed to take maximum points in their match with Spixworth.

 Mulbarton started nervously and seemed unable to pick up the rhythm of their previous display against Rockland. Scott G had a couple of chances but was forced off after picking up a dead leg. Spixworth took advantage of Mulbarton’s indecisive play and attacked in numbers. Chris was called into action and saved well. The scare gave Mulbarton a wake up call and they got their passing game going again. Mulbarton almost opened the scoring as James pushed forward from defence but he was cynically brought down in shooting range. James stepped up and his well struck free kick was saved down to the keepers right. The break through eventually came after sustained Mulbarton pressure left Max on the right of the box. He picked out Joe with a perfect lobbed pass who blasted the ball in for 1-0. Mulbarton could sense more goals and really went for it. The score was doubled when a Mulbarton corner caused panic in the Spixworth defence the ball came out to Max who shot firmly past the keeper for 2-0.

The second half saw more chances. George’s shot was cleared to man of the match Max who saw an effort cleared off the line. Spixworth threatened occasionally and scored against the run of play when a long clearance by their keeper somehow made it through to a lone striker who made the score 2-1. Scott G was reintroduced as the game became scrappy and the points were finally sealed as Mulbarton had another well taken corner by James. The Spixworth clearance was picked up by Tom W who made a superb pass to Scott G . Scott shook off the defenders and hit his shot low under the keepers body to make the final score 3 -1.

You could cut the atmosphere before kick off with a knife as Mulbarton lined up, knowing that a win would see them crowned Champions of the Norfolk Sunday Youth Football Combination
(U-9)  hunters division. Early nerves were quickly put to rest as a fine run down the right wing by Scott G won a corner. Max had a good chance to settle things down but saw his volley just miss the right hand post.

Blofield relied on a long ball game, suited to their small pitch and an early break saw Mulbarton's hearts in their mouth as the ball rattled the Wanderer's cross bar . Blofield's confidence grew and neither team could take control. Mulbarton had their chances . A good cross by George saw Scott win a corner, quickly taken by James. The ball fell to Scott G who let fly with a fierce drive that was tipped round the post by the Blofield keeper. Blofield kept hitting Mulbarton hard on the break and tireless running by James ,Max and Jordan kept their shooting to a minimum. The deadlock was broken on 7 minutes when a well struck corner found a Blofield midfielder at the near post, and his well placed header found the bottom left hand corner for 1-0.

Mulbarton did not let their heads drop and could have replied with an equaliser from the restart as Tom W threaded a through ball to Scott G. Scott had a number of chances to score including a fine free kick after George was brought down on the left flank and a one-on-one with the Blofield keeper who was in fine form. The equaliser came after a strong run by Scott G saw him loft the ball over the keeper for a perfect lobbed goal.

Now Mulbarton's tails were up. Scott G's dazzling run beat 2 players and the last ditch tackle by a Blofield  defender went out for a corner. The ball was perfectly placed to George who reacted quickest on the volley to make it 2-1. As the first half came to a close Blofield   pressed hard and some excellent play by Jordan snuffed out the threat.

The second half began at a frenetic pace seeing Blofield desperate to regain the lead. Jordan was like a rock at the centre of defence, and calmly mopped up the pressure with good passing moves to get the attack going again. Mulbarton couldn't find the extra goal to calm the nerves of the travelling support though Max shot just over, George and Scott all had creditable efforts. Scott H was introduced to bring better shape to the midfield but the game became scrappy. Mulbarton could have thrown it all away as Blofield broke and Chris was called upon to save well when one on one with a Blofield centre forward.

In the end the final whistle was greeted with a huge cheer The Wanderers had done it!  Worthy champions.

We went to Dereham with high expectations having won the league through hard work and determination. But on the day we were not consistent enough to win through the qualifying rounds to gain a chance of playing in the semi-finals.

At times the team played some very attractive football – flashes of what we can do, and showed character in getting back into games from a trailing position. However, all too often players just switched off and watched the match rather than influencing it by their efforts. We paid the price of not chasing loose balls, getting into tackles early, or putting constant pressure on the opposition.

With just five minutes to play each way, and with long rest periods between the games, I don’t think there was any reason for being too tired to play for the entire match. Not enough effort was put into our time on the pitch and the results reflected this.

On a different day we could have beaten each of the sides we faced. I was especially disappointed with the 1-1 draw with New Buckingham as this was a side we clearly should have beaten and a win would have taken us through to the knock-out stages of the cup.

The competition showed once again that there is not much difference between the ability of different teams in our age group. It is organisation, hard work and team play that are the deciding factors.

Having given constructive criticism of our football, I thought the day was well organised and the teams we played were friendly and fair. I know the boys enjoyed their football but were disappointed about the results. We must remember that winning is not everything, it’s playing and enjoying the game of football that is important. Think of Poringland B and their attitude – lost every match, scored once and conceded 20 goals and still enjoyed their day. 

Daniel