A damp, but mild start for this game which was originally scheduled to be played at Blofield, but was changed, as Mulbarton were late additions to the league. Once everyone had found the ground we learned that Mulbarton have been winning most of their matches with an apparent 12-0 thrown in there.
Ted and Aiden arrived just in time for the first match which was Heigham Park Rangers against Mulbarton, who were fielding a rangey forward!.
We knew we would have our work cut out so had a chat with the team about positional play and passing and sent on a strong opening side. The play was fierce from the off with both sides fairly well matched with Sol and Felix out left and right. The first strike was to Mulbarton due to a brief lapse in concentration by Heigham Park. A good high shot produced a valiant effort from Ted in goal, trying to tip it over the bar with a characteristic, acrobatic display. Unfortunately it found the top left corner.
The team maintained some good passing play after the half time break with Ted up front and Luke taking over from Sol on the right. Frankie was able to wallop one in from the edge of the box to equalise. Max and Evie, as ever marshalled the defence to great effect during the match with customary, crunching tackles. A 1-1 draw at the end was a good result from a very exciting match, enlivened by Aiden's goalkeeping antics in the second half (use your hands Aiden, for the sake of the parent's heart rates!). Certainly the closest match of the season so far.
Next up, Hillside FC who we have beaten already this season 3-0. We were hoping this would be an easier match and it started that way with Archie R popping one in within the first minute. The formation was less disciplined but we soon had a second from Aiden as a result of a Hillside defensive blunder. Frankie did a nifty save in goal which was immediately knocked back to be denied by the woodwork. So we went into half time 2-0 up.
During the second half Heigham Park's performance can only be described as 'ragged' with players out of position leaving openings for Hillside, themselves fielding a rangey forward, who soon pulled one back. A second claimed for Aiden during a goal mouth scramble had HPR feeling the game was in the bag. But all credit to Hillside who fought back exploiting the HPR midfield confusion (which no amount of vocal encouragement from the management could turn around) to get two more goals. Another draw at 3-3, but the team felt they should have had the 3 points.
Not a bad record though, 8 matches - 5 wins, 2 draws and one loss. That would give us, were we to be taking the league seriously (!?!), 17 out of a possible 24 points.
The team have had it easy with some of the previous games, now they are getting up against some stronger sides, they are adapting their play. The loss against Norwich Utd. was a wake up call - there are teams out there that will beat us if we let them. More positional play in training and keep up the passing play that saw us through the first match today will give us more wins in the future.
Player of the match today was Frankie for and excellent equaliser and a great save in the second game.
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