The new team sponsor has been announced as L S Plumbing and Heating. The deal includes a fantastic new kit sponsorship which we hope will be ready for the start of next season.
Our home competition in Mulbarton is the next opportunity to play against other teams. There are 12 visiting teams confirmed as playing in our age group and we hope to enter two U9 teams ourselves (with some U8’s to make up the numbers if necessary). Please keep Saturday 11th June free in your diary and be ready to help make the day a success.
If you want to donate a raffle prize then please give it to me before Monday 6th June (our last planning meeting), also volunteers to run the refreshments stall (10:30am to 12:00 noon) are still needed.
With best wishes,
Daniel
The Friday night training experiment hasn't really worked out and this will move to Saturday early evening with the effect from 28th May 2005.
There is no training next weekend 21st May
We have organised two sessions on Friday evenings and although the players have enjoyed themselves it has been very difficult, personally, to get there on time and I know that both the adults and the children are tired after their week.
Listening to feedback from parents and the coaching team we have decided to re-schedule ‘Summer Fun Training’ for Saturday afternoons. We will meet on the common at 5:00pm for about an hour. Sessions will continue through the summer until our mini competition and prize giving in July.
Our first afternoon session will be on Saturday 28th May. Brothers and Sisters of U9 players will be welcome to join in the fun, but we will restrict numbers on this basis.
Team training will resume as normal on Saturday mornings at the end of August (date to be confirmed) in preparation of next season.
Daniel
A disappointing display where the team found neither shape or rhythm. Early victories against the run of play were followed by a dire spell where nothing would go right, eventually the team found a bit of form but in the end failed to make the knock out stages by one goal.
Well done to all the players who played their part - Not the Wanderers finest hour
We have entered a team for the Dereham Times Cup which will take place on Saturday 14th May at Dereham F.C - Aldiss Park.
This is a 5 a-side tournament and we will take a squad of 7 boys.
Joe, James C, James W, Chris, Scott G, Jordan and George I will need subs of £2.14 from each player.
We will need to score lots of goals and take every opportunity to win – good goal keeping will be vitally important as the matches will be played on a small pitch and for only 5 minutes each way – there will be plenty of action! We know that we can play well and are champions of our league, but this is a big competition and we will be up against the best teams not only from our division but he ‘Hawker’ division as well.
The following map will help with finding the ground and we need to be there for 9:15 am. The competition starts at 10:00 am but I don’t know when it will finish, I suppose it will depend on how well we play! Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of water. Come changed ready to play and have both boots/blades and trainers with a good grip. Please also bring clothing suitable for all types of English weather.
Dan
AND FINALLY …A personal review of the season by Philip
The season draws to an end and Mulbarton Wanderers are in an unbeatable position at the top of the table. Champions of the League in the first year the team has played together. A superb achievement!
The supporters can heave a huge sigh of relief and grow their finger-nails again. Mums wash the kit for the last time and wonder how the washing machine is still working after dealing with the ton of mud from pitches all over Norfolk.
But the start of the season all seems a blur (or is it just my memory failing? …No, can’t be I’m only… er… er...how old am I??!).
Anyway, here is the definitive round up of the year (as I remember it!)…Highs and lows……sit back and enjoy some serious reminiscing…
Its May 2004...
Eamon is number 1 in the charts with ‘I don’t want you back’ which has the most swear words in a record … ever.
Meanwhile, Jeff Nurse manages the Mulbarton Wanderers under 9 team as they play their last league game of the season. The team has 3 kids who are only 8, Chris , Scott and James. Mulbarton draw against Norwich United and by doing so allow Scole to win the league. Mulbarton finish the season in tenth position. They have scored 24 times but Chris has picked the ball out of the net 37 times. However, it had been a good and invaluable experience. The boys owe a lot to Jeff .
August 2004...
Busted replaces Eamon at number 1 with the awful ‘Thunderbirds’
Daniel decides to move from parent helper to Manager. A new under 9 team is born. 11 players register. Eight of the boys are 8 and three of them are still 7. Daniel has hair and finger nails .
September 2004...
A sunny day and all is well. A nice trip down to Bressingham for a friendly game of football…Eric Prydz on the radio with ‘call me ’ again and again and again and again….
and the boys can play football!
I am amazed to find that even with the limited time the team has played together they are actually not bad… in fact not bad at all! The result is a 2-2 draw. Who remembers Scott G playing in goal towards the end of the game , leaving the ball to go wide and the wind blew it into the goal. He never played in goal again…I wonder why?
Still , get our mistakes out of the way before…..
19th September , 2004...
We visit Poringland for the first games of the league…great changing rooms … tiny pitch which sloped so much it made you feel you could fall off the edge of it! We play Poringland and Silfield.
The team made easy work of Poringland winning 3-1. Tom N scores twice and is awarded the first Man Of The Match award of the season!
Chris had been wound up by his classmates who play for Silfield. Mulbarton win against them 1-0. Chris plays well to keep his clean sheet and is awarded Man Of The Match. Chris can face them at school on Monday and does not have to throw a ‘sickie’ on Sunday night.
But Mulbarton are not top of the league on goal difference. Norman lead the field.
Daniel is somewhat surprised but very pleased … finds some hair on pillow in morning .. Thinks nothing of it.
3rd October, 2004.
Heartsease Hurricanes fold early and vanish from the league for an early bath.
No-body thinks anything of playing Norman. Oh, that name will always give me a funny feeling in my stomach. A name which will be whispered on the playing fields of Mulbarton for months to come!
We beat them easily and to be honest they never even come close to scoring! Scott G plays out of his skin to win his first Man Of The Match award.
But Mulbarton are still not top of the league as we had only played 3 games and the other teams had played 4!
Daniel finds more hair on his pillow and in the sink. He assumes it belongs to his wife.
17th October, 2004...
I don’t remember these games! I guess I was in some kind of hypnotic trance as we hammer 5 past Salhouse and 4 past Firside. James W moves forward to score his first of the season against Salhouse and is rightly awarded Man Of The Match.
What on earth is happening? Are we unbeatable or just lucky?
Scott H joins the team and scores in his first game against Firside. George plays a heroes role on the wing and becomes our fifth Man Of The Match.
But STILL we are NOT top of the league due to the game in hand…blast it!! (at least Eric Prydz is knocked from number 1 by Ashanti)
31st October, 2004..
Hammer Costessey 8 (or was that 7!?!) -0. Everyone gives up counting.
Jordan plays a strong role in midfield and keeps his cool to win the Man Of The Match.
We beat Scole with Scott Gs wonder goal of the season from the half way line. He is rightly named Man Of The Match.
We suddenly realise we have team … not any team but a team capable of great things!
The Crowd stand with jaws dropped to the ground. Daniel finds hair on his shoulders and wonders where it could have come from.
21st November, 2004...
THAT game in the mud at Blofield. Kids look like they have played in an all -in- mud-wrestling competition. Chris dives to save and ploughs into inches of goo! The pitch is more like soup than a surface to play on.
Mulbarton drop a point for the first time in the season. George plays a fine match on the left wing hammering crosses into the penalty box. A strong performance wins him the MOTM for the second time!
5th December, 2004...
Unseen by the British Secret Service Aliens invade planet earth and land in Norfolk. They find the sleeping bodies of 9 youngsters in the small village of Mulbarton and control them for the next 24 hours. Although technologically hundreds of years beyond the science of humankind it is a well observed fact they cannot play football for toffee!
The alien controlled boys wander around the common looking at nature, pointing to the sky saying things like ‘phone home’. Unfortunately, a football game is in progress. Unaware of the importance of football on planet earth they don’t bother to join in the match.
How else do you explain the results on that day…….?
6th December, 2004..
Aliens leave for home planet…. Boys return to normal and nobody is any the wiser…..or are they?…WATCH THE SKIES…DON’T LET THIS MENACE RETURN !!!
Band aid 20 with ‘do they know its Christmas’ ride the top of the singles chart.
19th December, 2004...
We lose to Poringland. As it turns out this will be our only loss of the season. Its still a shock! Scott Gs early shot hits the post and runs along the goal line but does not cross it. An inch would have made all the difference….but he takes the MOTM award again!
We beat Silfield. Chris takes victory over Silfield again in his calm and measured way and in no way rubs their noses in it (NOT!!!). Tom N captains the team and plays a captains role. He makes a miraculous goal line clearance and is awarded MOTM for his work rate and general contribution to the game.
It is clear we have a great side and can win the league. Its close but Norman are well behind on goal difference….
Daniel notices that his head is getting colder than it use to. He asks for a new hat for Christmas. Instead, gets a bottle of Dr. Hirsute’s Miracle Magical Hair grow from his wife … wonders why?
16th January, 2005...
Happy new year!!
We play Norman and find a much improved team. An evenly poised game which ends in a draw. it’s the right result for the game but means the 2 teams are locked together. Its just Mulbartons superior goal difference that makes all the difference! Max excels in this match to take the MOTM for his superb midfield work and positive play through out the 30 minutes.
For fun we play them again. This friendly match results in a 2-2 draw. Tom W scores twice, one a beautiful half-volley past the diving goalkeeper. He wins MOTM for his brilliant performance.
30th January,2005...
Elvis is on the radio. A new generation listen to the King!
We play Firside. The team gets a really physical game and I get REALLY cross!!! Joe works hard as centre forward and scores a great goal in the last 5 minutes of the match. He takes this MOTM!
We play Salhouse and start scoring goals again. Scott H makes a difference when he comes on as substitute and chases everything. This never-say-die attitude wins him his first MOTM!
The sun shining off Daniels head is distracting the boys.
Chris G and Alfie drop back to the under 8s. It is sad to see them go but the experience will have done them the world of good in their new teams. We wish them both all the best!!
We are joined by James C and Daniel V so we keep the same number of players. (still not enough for 11-a-side though)
12th February, 2005.
We play a friendly against Poringland. Its an easy victory (10-0) and, to be honest, Poringland do not have their strongest players with them. However, new boy, James C wins his first MOTM award for his play and the other new boy , Daniel V , scores in his first match for the club.
However, now it starts to snow….
It stops snowing and starts to rain…
It stops raining and starts to snow again…..
February passes and March begins. Matches are cancelled, rearranged and cancelled again…
We wonder if we will ever play again…
20th March,2005...
5 matches left. We are Neck and Neck with Norman. However, Poringland are coming up on the rails , with games in hand.
Chris bravely saves at the attackers feet several times to keep another clean sheet against Scole. The final result is a 0-0 draw. He takes this games MOTM award. But we have dropped a point - blast!!
We beat Costessey . They have improved enormously and play really well. How is it that they never won a game in the league? However, they are in the final of the Cup . We wish them all the best. James W had a shot hit the post and again wins the MOTM for his all round performance.
But the team found it hard to get the ball into the net.
As a wise man said at the time ‘ JUST BL**DY SHOOT!!!’ We end up with 2 goals against Costessey and none against Scole. It does not help with the goal difference!
Surprisingly ( and luckily) we find out Norman have dropped a point as well and the two teams remain locked together BUT somehow Norman manage to knock 10 goals (that’s T E N !!!) past Salhouse , who were obviously visited by the same alien invasion task force the night before.
Suddenly we have a 3 goal difference behind Norman!! From 7 in front to 3 behind in the blink of an eye! Football can be a cruel game!!!
The supporters cannot believe it. I was sure it was a misprint ( it had happened before!) but no , the result stands to this day.
The pressure is on and Norman have the upper hand!!
Mulbarton must win their last 3 games and hope Norman don’t!
Or… we have to score a lot of goals. This is not very likely as the teams have all improved so much over the season ( The only team not to improve are the alien invaders, who to this day still play like Bolton!)
3rd April, 2005...
Old songs are still top in the chart with ‘way to Amarillo’ number 1.
The team plays the most inspired and brilliant football we have ever seen.
The word ‘cynical’ is deleted from the newspaper report of the match but WE know what happened!
We easily see off Rockland and Spixworth. This is a team the likes of which are rarely seen. They play with passion and skill. They pass , they dribble and they score goals. 4 in fact but concede 1 to make goal difference exactly the same as Norman again. Can the 2 side ever be separated? Tireless running and sharp shooting gives Scott G another MOTM against Rocklands and Max wins MOTM against Spixworth for his goal and commitment.
I start to think coming second in the league is not bad, but there is one match to go…..
Daniel notices he has no finger nails left.
10th April, 2005...
Back to Blofield … and the pitch is dry!!! Not being used during the Easter hols has done it the world of good.
Blofield play Norman and draw.
If Mulbarton beat Blofield they win the league…..
How can 15 minutes seem like a life time? To be honest the team play well but not the best they ever have … but perhaps that’s just me being hard.
My heart was racing as time crawled onwards.
You know what the score was……
And the rest is now history…..
The name of Mulbarton wanderers under 9s goes into the record books as
CHAMPIONS.
No Man of The Match this time….. We could only give the award to CHRIS P , JAMES W , SCOTT G , SCOTT H , TOM W , TOM N , JORDAN R , GEORGE R AND MAX A for their remarkable performances. AND also to Harry T , James C , Daniel V , and Joe W who did not play in that last match but contributed so much during the season!
In the 20 games they played in this season, they won 14 , drew 5 and lost only 1. They score 40 goals and concede a mere 10 goals in the whole 20 matches… that’s as many as Norman scored in one match!!!
The team buys Daniel a wig and make him an appointment at the manicurist to get ready for next season.
What a roller coaster ride!!! But to be honest I doubt anyone of us would change a thing if we had the chance! They have been days I am sure we will look back and remember with pride until the grave!
Its been a great year and could I thank every kid who trained and played and everybody who turned up to support or help. A special mention to Nick who was normally the only person who remembered to set his watch at the start of a match and has put this website together with such skill.
Its been a whole team effort and the league title belongs to every single one of us.
MANY CONGRATULATIONS
TO YOU ALL!
See you all in 2005
What a fantastic season we have enjoyed. Players have developed both as individuals and as a team. Winning the league was the icing on the cake – this is the first time a Mulbarton Wanderers U9’s team have ever earned championship honours.
I am very proud of the results that the hard work you have put in at training and during matches has achieved. Well done!
On a personal note, I am very grateful for the tremendous support that the adults have given to the team – help with sorting out ‘the krypton factor’ goals, encouragement from the sidelines, getting boys to training and matches on time and in all weathers, being cheerful and making football fun.
Special thanks go to our coach Philip and our parent rep (and web site guru) Nick
regards
Dan
We are aiming to finish formal Saturday morning training sessions on the 30th April. For a change and to celebrate the end of the season, we aim to organise a Football Circus on this last Saturday using coaches from the U10’s, U9’s & U8’s. Mixing players from the different age groups and having ten minute training exercises spread over the common – so all players can have a go at some different football activities and experience training with other boys and coaches.
Starting on Friday 6th May I hope to run summer fun sessions on the common.
This will not be like formal training, we will play some mini-soccer, do some training exercises and chill out – just enjoy the summer evenings. This for whoever turns up on the evening on an informal basis. In order for this to run I will need other adult help and cover for CRB requirements. If this goes ahead it will be for an hour from 7:15pm to 8:15pm.
I think it would be a good idea to try and win some more silverware for the trophy cabinet by entering some one-day tournaments during the summer.
The dates and competitions I would like to consider entering a team for are as follows, but you must let me know if you are interested so I can submit the paper work:
 |
Dereham Town FC Sat 14th May |
Aldis Park, Norwich Road, Dereham. 9:45 am for prompt start at 10:30 am
6 aside with a squad of 8
Cost £15 per team (£1.88 each player)
|
Mulbarton competition Sat 11th June. |
10:00 am team registration for 10:30 am kick off.6 aside with a squad of 8
Cost £15 per team (£1.88 each player)
|
Football in the community Summer Cup 05 |
Sat 25th June
Thorpe St Andrew High School, Norwich
6 aside with a squad of 8
Cost £15 per team (£1.88 each player)
Please also remember Sun 17th July, in the afternoon, when we will be combining with the U10’s and U8’s for a mini tournament before our end of season prize giving and team reviews – I would ask all players to make a special effort to attend.
On Saturday 11th June the U8’s, U9’s & U’10’s boys and U12’s, U13’s & -U15’s girl’s teams will be hosting a mini soccer tournament (the other age groups involved in the club will play on Sunday 12th June).
Invitations have been sent out and we hope to attract between 110 and 154 teams during the weekend. Response has been good so far, and in our age group 7 teams have already registered (including Norman and Poringland, obviously anxious for revenge after their league defeat at the feet of the mighty Wanderers).
We will be entering a team in the U9’s section but we need some help to make sure the event is a success and that the teams and their families who come to Mulbarton have an enjoyable day.
Friday 10th June
Pitch marking (10 pitches) will take place on Friday 10th June at Orchard Park – if you are able to help at any time during the day Bob MacKenzie and Jeff Nurse are organising this and would welcome your support. Turn up on the day or see me for further details.
Saturday 11th June
Putting up the goals will take place on the Saturday morning – the U10’s have volunteered for this (teams on Sunday will be responsible for packing them away). Goal assembly will be from about 7:00 am to 9:00 am. If you can help with this please see Jeff or me.
I have volunteered our age group for the 10:30 am to 12:00 noon session on the BBQ, drinks and sweets stall. We need about six people willing to cook burgers, hot dogs and bacon rolls. Serve teas, coffees and fizzy drinks, and have someone at the ‘front of the shop’ taking the money. The stall will start at
9:00 am manned by U8’s parents and we will be taking over from them. Each age group has a slot winding up at about 4:30 pm with the U15’s girls.
Please see Daniel if you are willing to help.
|
First Aid |
We are trying to arrange for St Johns Ambulance to provide first aid cover, but if there are parents/carers with skills in this area we would be pleased to hear from you. We will have a first aid tent/gazebo. We don’t anticipate any injuries but we need to cater for problems that can happen at this type of event.
|
Raffle |
Sally Giles will be organising a raffle so if you are willing to donate a prize then this would be gratefully received, Daniel will pass any prizes on to the relevant people. Angela Farrow and Lisa will be face painting, and if you have any other fund raising ideas that could be operated on the day it would be good to discuss them and try to include them in the itinerary. The club is registered as a charity, ref CASC02592 dated 6th April 2005, so hopefully this will provide some extra revenue through tax benefits.
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Referee (if you dare) |
If you are able to referee some matches please let Jeff Nurse know, we need about 14 over the weekend, this is always an area that needs some support.
|
Car parking |
Car parking will take place on the common, social club and the back of Orchard Park. This will be organised by Karl Bunn and the U15’s boys.
|
Mission control |
Competition administration on the day involves help with registering teams, recording results, organising quarterfinal / semi-final / and final placing and generally answering queries. It would appeal to someone with administrative skills, they would form part of a team, but the job requires continuity throughout the day. If volunteers were to come forward from the supporters/parents of our age group then the admin tent would be sited next to the pitch on which our youngsters would be playing - so the helpers would not miss the matches.
It would be great if you are able to help in any of these areas. I’m sure we will have a very enjoyable day and our contribution to making the competition a success for the club and its visitors would be very much appreciated.
Results are coming in slowly now but a picture is emerging of who is in and who is out of the title race. At the moment The Mighty Wanderers top the Hunter league with 31 points from 19 games, making our maximum possible total - 33 points.
Norman - our arch rivals for the title have only played 17 games. They did not play last week end but have a double header on Sunday 10th when Mulbarton play their last game at Blofield. Norman also take on Blofield and Spixworth. Norman's last game of the season - and therefore the likely title decider will be their rearranged fixture with Silfield, at Ketts Park Wymondham on Sunday 17th April. If Norman win their remaining fixtures they will also have have amassed 33 points. Goal difference and goals scored will then be used to separate the sides. At present we have the same goal difference +29, but with more matches to play Norman can be expected to pull ahead.
Poringland still have an outside chance of clinching the title. They still have 4 games to play. A 100% record for Poringland would give them 32 points.
A time for steady nerves and brilliant football
Calling all players and supporters
As previously announced there will be a number of awards made by the club. All players in the squad are invited to vote in a secret ballot for their player of the year. How each team member votes is a matter of personal choice. All votes need to be back to Nick Rhatigan by 10th April - that's the date of your final league match away at Blofield so get voting
There is also an opportunity for those who come and watch the thrills and spills of match day or training. Ballot papers are available from Nick Rhatigan, or alternatively you can send your vote by the miracle of E-Mail just click this link.
The matches against Rockland and Spixworth will now be played at Rockland on Sunday 3rd April
Mulbarton Wanderers U-9 will be in action for their first game in over month when they take on Costessey Sports at home on the Common. Kick of is scheduled for 11.05. Supporters and Players will remember the comprehensive victory at Costessey back in October but since the new year they have tightened up their defence and the boys can expect a different game this time round. Daniel has called for the boy's to show off their skills and make our natural passing game pay off.
The second encounter is against Scole. Last time we played, we were a little complacent following the Costessey game and were lucky to come away with maximum points. Scole's last 2 outings in the league have been against Poringland and Norman where they lost to a single goal. Daniel has already pointed out their 8-1 drubbing of Rockland so it will be a tight close encounter,
Team: Chris P, Jordan, Scott G, James W, George,
James C,Joe (Capt)
subs
Tm W, Max, Scott H
We now have the dates for the rearranged matches called off by the appalling weather conditions in February along with the traditional end of season tournaments. This weekend (20th March) the scheduled matches look set to be played in seasonal spring like temperatures. The Mulbarton Pitch on the top of the common has has been meticulously prepared and - if last Saturday's training is anything to go by - we can look forward to a real treat of fluent passing and classy finishes.
On Sunday 10th April 2005 the team will travel to Blofield and their notorious sloping soggy pitch the team will be looking to take maximum points to make up for the result in November when Scott 'G's opening goal was cancelled out by a freak lob. Title rivals Norman Wanderers will also be playing at Blofield on the10th where they take on Spixworth and Blofield.
The Hunter League season will draw to a close on the following Sunday - 17th April 2005. Mulbarton will be playing away at Rockland. in addition to Rockland we will also take on Spixworth. All the stats point to the title going to Mulbarton, Poringland or Norman with all 3 contenders being drawn away from home. Poringland travel to Blofield where they take on Salhouse and the physical Firside team we dispatched 1-0. Norman are away to Silfield.
So to quote Psychodelia "Lets be 'avin you" bring on the opposition because we fear no one.
With the league behind us and hopefully some silverware in the cabinet we can look forward to
| Mulbarton Five-a-side competition on the week-end 11th & 12th June (our boys will probably play on Saturday) |
| Presentation tournament and prize giving for all players from U10’s down 17th July 12:30 to 4:30 pm |
Incessant snow and sleet have meant that the team's crucial fixtures with Rockland and Spixworth have had to be cancelled. The Rockland pitch still has a a covering of snow and to play the matches would risk a real danger of serious injury to our team. The problem that we now face is that the fixtures are piling up. We have 3 postponements including the away clash with Blofield and time is running out before the official end of the season on 20th March 2005.
Watch out for alternative dates
Spixworth and Rockland preview 3rd April 2005
Mulbarton are playing the third and fourth matches of the morning. The first fixture is scheduled to kick off at 10:30am but as we are not due to play until about 11:30am, and the weather could be cold, I’m suggesting we aim to be at Rocklands for 11:15am changed and ready to play.
Directions:
Follow A11 to Attleborough, at the end of
the dual carriageway take slip road off to the B1077, back under A11 in Watton
direction. Pass Great Ellingham and look out for Ridgeons Builders merchants on
RH side of road into Rocklands. 200/300 yards past
Ridgeons take left turn into The Street (Rockland All Saints direction). 200
yards down The Street is village hall on RH side, pass this and Green Lane is
unmade road on the left. Follow Green Lane to the playing field.
Our first match is against Rocklands who drew 2-2 with Silfield and 1-1 with Spixworth recently. They have improved further - holding Norman to a 0-0 draw and thumping Salhouse 6-1 In the last games they played.
We also drew with them last time we played, but I think we played our worst football of the season and didn’t put anything like enough effort into our game. This time I want to see a much greater commitment to winning the match. Keep position and shape, communicate with each other and play as a team. Rocklands are an energetic side who really want to beat us and have the will to win – so expect pressure from the start and work hard together to beat them.
We have the ability to win this game and need maximum points for our title challenge!
Spixworth is our second match of the morning. They don’t play very creative football but will be difficult to break down and their results reflect this in the number of draws gained against better sides this season. At the moment we have no details of their recent formas they havent kicked a ball, competitively, since 16th January when they lost by a single goal to both Firside and Scole.
When they came to Mulbarton before Christmas we didn’t play very well and gave up before the final whistle was blown. We must not repeat this poor attitude and need to concentrate on our passing game and not crowd round the ball – remember when a player moves into space and calls for the ball the opponents will have to go to him and this opens up the game. It allows thinking time on the ball and promotes creativity.
Be confident because we have the skill to beat anyone in our league!
Lets repeat the great determination shown at Firside and come away with four points from these fixtures
The starting line up will be:
A note to Substitutes:
You are a vital part of the team. Players get tired, can be injured, or maybe just aren’t playing well on the day and need to come off – so keep warm, watch the match and be ready to play when needed.
Last weeks match against Blofield fell victim to the freezing weather, and had been rearranged for this Sunday 27th February with a scheduled kick off time of 11.30. Unfortunately the Pitch at Blofield has been deemed unplayable again. This means a massive fixture headache for Daniel and the team as the games are piling up.
Blofield, who are still fighting in the cup, have an even bigger problem so it looks likely that the match may be rearranged for after 20th March - may be even early April. With Easter and everything Daniel may be without key players and another possibility is to play the match on Saturday 12th or 19th March.
Watch this space!
Ever fancied a kick around during half term or school holidays? Premier soccer run 2 day football camps which are great fun. There is the chance to pick up a few new skills and play against boys from a range of local schools. Scott G and George have just been on the Half term camp at Wymondham High School. They both picked up a trophy each and had a really good time.
Fancy coming along during the Easter Holiday? The dates for Wymondham are 29th and 30th March 2005
Click on the link below to sign up.
This Game will be played at:
Blofield Primary School
North Street
Blofield Contact Mark Berrisford 01603 716079
Directions: Take the bypass towards Yarmouth and either take the 2nd exit off at the Brundall roundabout or take the Blofield slip road and back over the dual carriageway. North Street is indicated on the map above and the pitch is behind the Primary School – parking is available in the school.
We will be playing at the same ground as earlier in the season when we drew 1-1 having gone ahead during the first half. Ours is the last game to be played in the morning with kick off aimed at 11:30am so please be at the ground changed and ready to warm up for 11:15am.
We have had a fantastic season so far. Mulbarton Wanderers are in second position with a game in hand over Poringland who are league leaders by goal difference only. Norman also share the same points and number of games as us but are in third spot because their goal difference is not as good.
There are only five games left to play this season - we can win the league!
The last two matches were physically tough but it was a credit to the team that we worked well for each other, took the knocks and came away with maximum points.
In the match at Blofield I am again looking for 100% commitment and effort from all players right up to the final whistle. We only have one game to play (30 minutes of football) - Blofield will have played earlier in the morning and will be tired, so lets take the game to them – attack and defend as a team. Talk to each other, keep to positions and maintain the shape of the side. If possible pass the ball rather than dribble too much and use the whole of the pitch. Attackers, don’t be afraid in the box – we work hard to create goal scoring opportunities and need to convert the chances and follow in on rebounds.
Phil and I think that the formation played in the last three games has worked well for the team and want to continue with the same shape for this game – ‘wing backs’ with Jordan as central defender.
Because Tom W has been playing well in training he starts the game in Centre forward position.
The Starting line up will be:
The first game is Mulbarton v Salhouse with Kick off at 10:30am so please arrive changed and ready for a warm up at about 10:10am. Our second match will follow on from this game and will be against Firside. We should aim to finish the football at about 11:45am.
Unfortunately there tends to be some hanging around during match days and at this time of the year the weather can be bad so please bring enough warm dry clothes, maybe a hot drink for after the match would be good idea.
I think we have been playing very well in the last few games and although we are currently in third place in the table we are only two points behind the leaders Norman (Poringland are ahead of us on goal difference only but we, like Norman, have a game in hand). There is still everything to play for and I am looking for maximum effort from every team member. We have convincingly beaten both Salhouse and Firside earlier in the season and there is no reason why we can not repeat the performance. It would be great to come away with an additional four points from the fixtures and an improved goal difference.
So let’s play our best football. Think about keeping the shape of the side and use the whole pitch. Lots of passing and calling and play as a team. Shoot whenever the opportunity arises. I want defence to be strong, attack determined and follow in on any rebounds.
Phil and I thought the formation we played against Norman worked well for the team and want to continue with the same shape for these games – ‘wing backs’ with Jordan as central defender.
The Starting line up will be:
Joe
Tom N George
Scott G James W
Jordan
|__Chris__|
Super Subs
Max
Scott H
Best wishes,
Daniel Whitlock
We have arranged a friendly with Poringland here on our home pitch again.Dave Wilson will bring his squad players over to us on Saturday 12th February.
Kick off will be 9:45am and we aim to play four quarters and allow all boys to play for some of the match.
BBC to profile Wanderers and Belles
The BBC will be taking in the thrills and spills of Training on the Common next Saturday Morning from 9.30. Most of the club's teams will be there so get your Mulbarton Jersey on and lets put on a show of fine football.
BBC1 have a regional news/magazine style programme called ‘Inside-Out’ that is transmitted on a Monday night.
They have picked up on Mulbarton Wanderers and Belles providing Charter Standard Football covering most age groups from U8’s to adults, and this from a relatively small village. They are following Bob MacKenzie, the U12 manager who has a son playing in the Wanderers and a daughter in the Belles. They are filming his mid week training session on the tennis court behind the village hall, also running the line for Karl Bunn’s U15’s match on Saturday morning and a little of Bob’s team match on Sunday.
Where we are involved is on Saturday morning at 9:30am. We are trying to get as many of the teams as possible including Mums, Dads, Grandparents etc together to show the size of the club – apparently they are moving a camera up a pole from feet to an aerial shot. Also they may wish to film some of our youngsters training. Jeff’s boys are joining us for this session and we will probably end with a match U9’s v U10’s.
Boys need to turn up in Wanderers Kit and track suit tops if possible.
Our first game of the New Year is at home on the common against Norman – kick off time 10:30am, please be there by 10:15am.
We played well during our last two league matches before Christmas and although we had our first defeat of the season against Poringland I didn’t think the result really reflected the teams performance. We looked sharp, played well as a team and all players put in maximum effort in really cold conditions.
I believe the outcome of this match against Norman will have a deciding influence on our title chances and the end of season league positions.
Norman has only been defeated once this season and that was when they faced us last October. Although we start this game two points behind Norman, in second place in the league, they will remember our last match and will not be confident of a win.
Thinking back to our ‘away fixture’ earlier in the season…….Norman have skilful players who pass the ball well, also they are a physically strong side with players from the ‘Mile Cross’ area of Norwich. However, during the two matches played they did not really trouble our defence, and by persistence and hard work we converted the few attacking opportunities we had into goals.
For this match I want to strengthen the defence by putting Jordan in Centre Back position and allow
James W and Scott G to play as Wing-Backs with the job of linking into the mid-field and shooting whenever the opportunity arises. Tom N will play to the left of Mid-Field and George to the right. Joe will again start the match as Centre Forward and must really push for goals.
We must call, pass and play to each other and try not to dribble too much. Keep positional play and use the whole of the pitch rather than following the ball. When attacks break down get behind the ball into defence very quickly – we will attack and defend as a team.
The Starting line up will be:
After the League match is over we will play a friendly game which will give our subs a chance to play against first class opponents. Steve Baverstock, the Norman Manager, will bring some of his other squad players along to give them an opportunity of a game as well.
With best wishes
Daniel
A massive Congratulations to James W and Scott G. Their hard
work and skill has
been recognised by Premiership strugglers Norwich City. James and Scott have
both been watched a few times now and spotted by the clubs scouts. James and
Scott have trained at Colney and have now been invited to join the prestigious
Player Development Centre.
Given the Premiership outfits lack lustre league performance there is every chance of seeing James and Scott on Match of the Day soon.
Well Done Guys - from everyone at the club.
Training resumes on the 8th January on the Common. The big match where we will be playing against Norman Wanderers at home is the following week so preparation is the key. Norman are now top of the league and nothing short of a victory is demanded to keep the Wanderers up there in Number 1 spot. Things are getting really tight at the top of the league with Poringland coming up on the rails. Poringland look like the form team of the moment. They are scoring goals for fun at the moment and even managed to inflict our first defeat of the season (1-0)
With Clean Sheets being the most critical thing at the moment Daniel might be tempted a change in formation following training.
What a ding dong do it was. Honours even, father against son, Outrageous fouls and even more outrageous diving. Hope you enjoyed it too!
Silfield and Poringland Preview
Our first match will be against Poringland at about 11:10am, followed by Silfield at about 11:45pm.
Travel details are below
Unfortunately there tends to be some hanging around during match days and at this time of the year the weather can be bad so please bring enough warm dry clothes, maybe a hot drink for after the match would be good idea.
These are the first matches of the second half of the season and although we are
still top (now by goal difference only) I want every team member to put in
maximum effort in these games to secure the points. We have not played well in
the last few games, but we have beaten both of these teams earlier in the
season, so lets play our best football – passing and calling and creating lots
of shooting opportunities. Games are won by scoring goals and keeping a tight
defence, so grab every chance and shoot with strength and determination.
The Starting line up will be:
Rockland and Spixworth Preview
Costessey, Spixworth and Rockland are coming to play at Mulbarton on Sunday. In order to avoid too much standing around waiting for matches to begin (we are in December and the weather can be bad) we will be using both of the mini-soccer pitches at the same time:
Pitch 3 Pitch 4
Kick off 10:30am Mulbarton v Rockland Costessey v Spixworth
Kick off 11:10 am Spixworth v Mulbarton Costessey v Rockland
Please can we meet at 10:00am so that we can warm up and prepare for the games. Remember we will be playing two matches so try not to get too tired during the first game.
Completing these matches will take us through to the half way stage of the season. I am very proud of the way you all have played and the positive attitude and sportsmanship within the squad.
1. Mulbarton v Rockland
Rockland is fifth in the league on ten points. They have won five matches and lost three, with a positive goal difference of only three – so their defence is not great and we should be able to score goals.
We have been lacking strike power in recent games so I am introducing some changes to the shape of the team to strengthen the forward line. However, this will leave us a little vulnerable in defence so everyone will have to work extra hard to cover any counter attacks.
The starting line up will be:
