15 April 08- Wymondham Vs Mundford

With two wins from two needed to secure the league title, the boys completed half of the task with an eight nil victory over hard working Wymondham. The boys started quickly enough by scoring after just two minutes. A low driven corner from Harvey was hit first time by the in rushing Tom to score an almost carbon copy of the pairs well worked goal against Litcham from the week before. With both supporters and players obviously suffering from the cold conditions the game just didn't come alive for most of the first half. Both teams were canceling each out in both midfield and the final third of the pitch through battling performances. With half time approaching some good work between Taylor and Cally allowed Tom to shoot past the keeper for goal number two. This was quickly followed by a great drive by Harvey which allowed the boys to turn around at half time three goals to the good. With a strong wind at their backs the boys began to use more width in their attacking play and were rewarded when Cally attacked the byline and pulled his pass back to Tom who completed his hat-trick. Despite the score line the boys were not having things all their own way. A well worked series of passes from the home side forced keeper Josh to make a brave diving save to prevent a certain goal. Smudge came on for Taylor and his grit and determination allowed him to win the ball in midfield, his resulting shot hit the near post and
came out to Harvey who placed the ball into the net. With Chop and Harry keeping things tight at the back, the midfield began to link up with a bit more fluency. Some neat interplay between Smudge, Tom
and Harvey ended with Cally shifting the ball on to his favoured left foot and blasting home a deserved goal. For the final ten minutes Mundford substituted the hard working and impressive Conner and pushed sweeper Harry into a more forward role. Harry soon made his intent clear with some powerful forward runs but he was being denied by some good covering play by the home side and on two occasions the woodwork just got in the way of goal bound shots. Chop and Taylor combined well to release Smudge on the edge of the area. His fine first touch into his stride allowed him to shoot low inside the post for a well taken goal. Rounding off a fine personal display, Smudge turned provider by laying on a well timed pass to Tom who scored Mundford's eighth and final goal. Certainly both sets of players deserve credit for battling through to the end on a wickedly cold and windy wet April evening.
Final Score Wymondham 0 Mundford 8

OPPOSITION'S MAN OF THE MATCH - CALLY SANDERS (Another fine performance among many this season)

MANAGER'S MAN OF THE MATCH - HARRY TAYLOR (Mr reliable just edging it over Smudge who also had a great game)

6 April 08- Mundford Vs Litcham

The boys went into this game knowing anything less than a victory against a talented Litcham side would certainly write off any chance of challenging for the league title. Mundford's game plan of taking the game to the visitors through pressure play and quick passing paid off after just one minute when a slick series of short passes ended with Taylor tapping home at the far post. This early goal certainly fired up the home side's self belief and confidence and they were soon two goals to the good after a fine pass from Taylor put Harvey in to score. Litcham began to take the game to Mundford, with both Alby and Charlie showing some nifty footwork, but thanks to some great break up play from Conner and intelligent covering by Harry the visitors attempts to get in on goal were being snuffed out. The rest of the first half was mainly being contested in the middle of the park, apart from Mundford's Tom hitting the bar from distance and Litcham's Alby shooting just wide of the near post. With the second half now underway the boys did not go into relaxed mode which has sometimes been the case this season. After three minutes of play resuming Mundford forced a corner. Harvey's cross was met on the volley by Tom who blasted Mundford three goals up. Litcham were playing some neat football up to the home side's final third but again with Harry and Conner doing the spadework in the middle and Cally and Harvey defending the flags any goal scoring opportunities were being denied. The boys then stretched their lead to four when Harry won a tackle on the edge of his own area, his forceful run from deep and
subsequent pass to Conner released Harvey wide on the right. Harvey's first time pass picked out the incoming Taylor who scored at the back post. Litcham nearly pulled a couple back but were denied first by the far post and second by a great stop from Josh W who dived bravely at Charlie's feet to prevent a goal. Mundford then brought on Josh R for Taylor and his clever hold up play soon payed off. His well timed lay off  to Tom was slotted beyond the Litcham back line for Harvey to score goal number five.
Josh R then got onto the end of a Conner chip to head over the keeper. Kane came on at the back and soon threaded a fine ball up to Harvey and his low driven cross was pushed into the path of Josh R by the keeper, only to be put in the net. Tom, who had played despite an ankle problem was replaced by Benjamin who showed his willingness to get stuck into the game straight away. It was from his strong tackle that enabled Kane to find Conner who in turn released Harvey to score one of his close control trademark goals. For the final few minutes Taylor came back on in place of Josh R giving him just enough time to score again and give him a well deserved hat-trick. This was a day when everything clicked into place for the home side They were up against a Litcham team who have some gifted players and play football as it should be played. This win today was built on your willingness to work for each other.
Results like this against good sides are very rare indeed, so lets savour the win but keep switched on for our two remaining games.

Final Score Mundford 9 Litcham 0

OPPOSITION'S MAN OF THE MATCH - NOT RECORDED

MANAGER'S MAN OF THE MATCH - Josh W, Harry, Conner, Tom, Kane, Benjamin, Taylor, Josh R, Harvey and Cally ('Brilliant', the whole squad)

3 April 08- Mundford Vs Independents

The boys certainly looked and performed like a team that had not played any football during the previous month. They struggled to string even simple passes together and  looked unable to match Indies for effort and desire. Only Harry Taylor at the back looked anything like a Mundford player of a month ago. Indeed it was Harry who's composed sweeper play prevented the Indies from getting 
behind the home defense on several occasions with some well timed interceptions and great heading of the ball. The only shot of note from either side during the first half was an angled drive from Tom that flew wide of the post. After being told at half time that a draw or a defeat was not an option if the team
were to win the league, the boys came out for the second half with more purpose. They introduced more width to their play and with Conner now putting in some telling crosses Mundford were at last beginning to threaten the Indies goal. It was from one such cross that Tom hit a post only for Taylor 
to be on hand to put the ball in the net. This breakthrough goal seemed to take a lot of pressure off of the home side which in turn led to a second goal. Some neat interplay between Smudge and Harry released Conner who's pass in turn picked out Cally. Cally's low drive was well blocked by Charlie in the visitors goal but Tom was on hand to tap in the rebound. In open play Mundford hadn't been getting much joy from the Indies back line, especially Max who was putting in a solid performance against the home attack. It took a great defense splitting pass from Tom to put Josh in behind the Indies defense to score a well taken goal. Josh then went on to score his second and Mundford's fourth with a well placed
lob from wide on the left. Thankfully, strong performances by Harry, Kane and Benjamin at the back provided the springboard for Mundford to take all three much needed points. A big thanks must go to Indies for allowing us to change the fixture date at short notice. Without this fixture taking place we would have been going into the winner takes all game against Litcham in a very ring rusty state.

Final Score Mundford 4 Independents 0

OPPOSITIONS'S MAN OF THE MATCH - CALLY SANDERS (Much better second half from the ginger one)

MANAGER'S MAN OF THE MATCH - HARRY TAYLOR (Top notch display tonight. The same on Sunday please).

9 March 08- Dereham Wanderers Harlequins Vs Mundford

The boys started brightly enough with Tom scoring after two minutes when a Harvey cross picked him out in front of the home keeper. Tom's initial shot hit the keeper but he made no mistake in tapping home the rebound. Mundford were two up after five minutes. A strong run from Harry took him deep into the Dereham half from where he tried his luck from distance. Although his shot was going wide, somehow Harvey managed to keep it in play with a great first touch. His resulting cross found Cally

who was on hand to score. Dereham then broke forward in numbers and were unlucky not to score when an angled shot hit the far post.For the rest of the half the boys totally lost their rhythm and struggled to make simple passes find their intended target. In open play the boys were not supporting each other with the movement off of ball that they are more than capable of. This was allowing the home side to hassle the boys into poor pass selections which in turn led to poor shooting in front of goal. After a few stern words from the coaching staff the boys certainly raised their game in the second half. Josh was moving the ball quickly out of defence and a neat one-two between Harry and Cally put Harvey away on the right. His run took him past two opponents and his cross put Tom in to score his second. Five minutes later, Harvey again crossed from wide to enable Tom to complete his hat-trick. Tom by now was struggling with an ankle injury so Mundford rearranged their formation by bringing Taylor into a central midfield role and pushing Tom into a more forward role. Mundford really benefited from this swap. Taylor was making some great tackles and knocking the ball around like he had been playing in that role all season. With his confidence by now sky high he scored one of the goals of the season. On the edge of the area and with his back to goal, he controlled the ball with his chest and then turned and volleyed the ball into the roof of the net. Mundford rounded off a much improved second half performance when Taylor's determination saw him win the ball in the centre of the park, his neat through ball to Harvey was converted by the tricky wide midfielder. This was a real Jekyll and Hyde performance against a much improved Dereham side who made things difficult through their willingness to deny space and time. I think we all realize from today's game that movement and communication on the pitch is key to good results. Lets employ these attributes for next weekend's crunch game.

Final Score Dereham Wanderers Harlequins 0 Mundford 6

OPPOSITION'S MAN OF THE MATCH - CALLY SANDERS (Covered lots of ground)

MANAGER'S MAN OF THE MATCH - TAYLOR DEACON (Great second half performance capped with a top class goal)

1 March 08- New Buckenham Blue Vs Mundford

The cold fact appertaining  to this game was that the boys needed to score quite a few goals to have any chance of winning the league. The boys did start in a determined mood and were soon two goals
up through Taylor. The Blues then worked through the Mundford defence and were unlucky not to score when a well struck shot hit the post. Despite a spirited display from the home side and a magnificent 
series of saves by their keeper, Mundford stretched their lead to eleven by half time. This being the result of an additional goal from Taylor, Two from Harvey, the second of which was a great near post header, two from Tom and four from the hard working Cally. With both sides not having any substitutes, the Blues lost a player through injury. Mundford then removed a player to leave each team with six 
players. Inadvertently, this player reduction seemed to give Mundford more space and they scored again through Harvey and Taylor. This took the score to thirteen-nil. For the rest of the game Mundford used only five players. By bringing goalie Josh onto the pitch and playing striker Harvey at the back
this gave the defenders a chance to play in some different positions. Just like the first half, the home keeper was pulling off some great saves but his young defence could not keep out the Mundford attack.
Three more goals from Cally, two each from Tom and Harvey plus a great drive from goalie turned striker Josh kept the team in a position to challenge for the league title. A special mention to Harry and Kane
who look like they are building a fine partnership at the back . This was demonstrated by some good runs forward by both boys.
Final Score New Bucks 0 Mundford 21

OPPOSITION'S MAN OF THE MATCH - TOM WALTERS (Another Captain's display)

MANAGER'S MAN OF THE MATCH - CALLY SANDERS (Very cool in front of goal)

23 Feb 08- Mundford Vs Swaffham

The boys were up against a hard working Swaffham side and knew from their encounter earlier in the season against the Peddlers that they needed to be on top of their game if they were to keep their
title hopes alive. Mundford reorganized their formation to allow Conner a wide roll on the right of midfield, this allowed Harvey to move over on to the left. Conner soon made his presence felt with some well timed runs and some slick through balls to his forwards. Both teams were playing some attractive football with good thoughtful forward movement being shown by both midfields. It was Mundford who took the lead when Taylor nipped in at the far post to score from a failed clearance. Taylor scored his second within two minutes of the restart, his willingness to pressure defenders paid off when he won the ball in a wide position, his pace took him past two defenders and he shot wide of the keeper. Swaffham were passing the ball well and showing what a good side they are. Only top flight tackles by Cally and some very intelligent reading of the game by last man Harry kept the Peddlers from threatening the home goal. After a fine series of passes involving Harry, Conner and Tom,  capped by a well placed Harvey cross, Taylor completed a much deserved first half hat-trick. The second half saw Kane come on in place of Conner who had a fine first half. This allowed Cally to push further upfield and Harvey to move back into his more familiar right midfield roll.  A quick release from goalie Josh sent Harvey up the line, his neat one-two with Tom took him to the byline and his cross was slotted home by Taylor, again in the right place at the right time. Mundford then replaced Taylor with Josh who showed some neat footwork in tight situations. Josh then used his quick feet to take himself around his marker to shot under the keepers body for goal number five. Swaffham were unlucky not to pull a couple of goals back, thanks to keeper Josh coming smartly off of his line to smother a dangerous break , this coupled with a shot that rattled the underside of the crossbar only to bounce off of the goal line back into the grateful Josh's arms. With Kane forming a very solid partnership with Harry at the back and Tom, as usual putting in the midfield work, it wasn't long before Mundford netted another. Harvey showing great close control scored from close range. With ten minutes remaining Taylor was brought
back on and it was his pace that set up the attack from which Cally scored with a well hit left foot drive. Mundford then scored their eighth and final goal through Taylor who was again in the right place to score. Despite the score line this was a highly entertaining match with both teams playing open passing football and full credit must go to every boy on the pitch.
Final Score Mundford 8 Swaffham 0

OPPOSITION'S MAN OF THE MATCH - HARVEY ROBERTSON (Great control coupled with some great passes)

MANAGER'S MAN OF THE MATCH - HARRY TAYLOR (So hard to choose this week with everyone putting in MoM performances, especially Taylor with five goals. I gave it to Harry for an exceptional demonstration of sweeper play. He didn't put a foot wrong throughout the game)

10 Feb 08- Mundford Vs Dereham Wanderers Blue

On a perfect day for football coupled with a wonderful playing surface the boys struggled to find anything like their true form in this match. Dereham were by far the keener of the the two sides during the opening stages of the game. Only some good interceptions by Harry and Ollie prevented the 
visitors from getting into the danger area. With the Blues hustling the home side out of the game, Mundford must thank captain Tom, who led by example, trying to lift his team mates out of their slumber. It was Tom who took the pressure off of his colleagues with a goal midway through the first half. Winning a tackle on the edge of the box he knocked the ball between two defenders and placed to ball to the right of the diving keeper. The goal certainly seemed to give the boys a lift and this led to a 
second goal. A quick release from Josh in goal sent Tom on his way up the line, his near post cross was met by Harvey who tapped in from close range. The boys came out for the second half in a more upbeat mood, but knowing that a two goal advantage against the hard working Blues could not be taken for granted. With Taylor now using his pace to pressure the defence, backed up by much improved work rates from Cally and Harvey it wasn't long before Tom added a third goal to the tally by getting on the end of a Harvey cross. Mundford could have stretched their lead further, a great break out from defence
by Harry released Harvey who's  cross was knocked over the bar by the on rushing Cally. By now Mundford were having their best spell of the game and at last were matching the Blues for effort and

determination. After some great work by Ollie, Cally picked out Harvey who played around the keeper to score his second. With ten minutes remaining to the final whistle, Cally took the score to five-nil by getting into the near post to slot home from another pinpoint Harvey cross. Mundford then made the mistake of believing they had the game won. By not getting goal side when out of possession they paid the price when the Blues attacked in numbers. A poor clearance was neatly dispatched by the the Blues for what looked to be a consolation goal. This however was not the case, the Blues kept coming at the home defence and scored a second after pressuring Mundford out of possession. With solid determination, Dereham netted a third just before the final whistle. Hopefully the boys will have learned that by not playing to the final whistle can cost you the match. Who knows, maybe if today's game hand gone on for another five minutes the score could have looked very different.
Final Score Mundford 5 Dereham Wanderers Blue 3
OPPOSITION'S MAN OF THE MATCH- TOM WALTERS (great display )
MANAGER'S MAN OF THE MATCH - TOM WALTERS (single handedly kept us in the game during the first half, a real Captain's performance)

27 Jan 08- Watton Wanderers Vs Mundford

The boys took a little time to get into their stride against the hard working Watton side. They did however take the lead  through Taylor who was in the right place to punish a defensive mix up by slotting in a goal at the far post. Soon after it was Mundford's turn to be at sixes and sevens defensively. A weak pass out of the box fell to the Watton striker who blasted a perfectly struck shot into the roof of the net for a classy equalizer. The lead was soon regained when Tom showed what a lethal right foot he has by firing in a peach of an effort from the corner of the goal area. The hard working Taylor was by now putting a lot of effort into his game. His willingness to pressure defenders paid off when he nicked the ball off of a midfielder and ran between two defenders to score. Taylor's hard work on the right was again rewarded when a neat turn and cross to the back post was met by the incoming Harvey who made no mistake from close range. Despite having a three goal lead, the boys were being put on the back foot by some quick counter attacks by Watton and it was no surprise when they scored a second goal. Again their dangerous striker giving Josh no chance with a thunderbolt from 
distance. With half time approaching, Harvey executed a perfect turn that took him away from his marker. His well timed pass into Tom's stride was neatly placed to the right of the keeper to put the visitors five-two up at the break. The boys came out for the second half fully aware that they had to 
get a stronger defensive grip on the game if they were to prevent Watton adding to their score. With Harry and Shay now playing more considered passes out of defence the midfield trio were by now looking more potent in front of goal. A quickly released ball from Shay into Harvey's forward movement was cleverly cut inside his marker which allowed Harvey in on goal to score his second of the game.
Ollie came back on to replace Shay at the back and was soon in the thick of the action. The boy's again began to push forward with some neat football but were being frustrated by a series of near misses, especially from an unlucky Harvey who would go on to hit the woodwork on no fewer than six occasions. Cally was also denied by the crossbar but after the rebound set up a game of goal mouth ping-pong he finally knocked in through a crowd of players. Tom completed his hat-trick when he ghosted onto the goal line to tap in a well placed Harvey cross. The classy Harvey again set up another team mate for a hat trick. This time picking out Taylor at the back post who blasted high into the net. With the end of the came approaching, Ollie was on hand to set up Cally with a nicely timed pass. Cally then shifted the ball onto his left foot and bent the ball over the oncoming defence to score a deserved goal.

Final Score Watton Wanderers 2 Mundford 10

OPPOSITION'S MAN OF THE MATCH - HARVEY ROBERTSON (Very skillful)

MANAGER'S MAN OF THE MATCH - TOM WALTERS (Incredible work rate)

20 Jan 08- Thetford Vs Mundford

Away to Thetford Town on a very blustery day saw the boys adapting much better to the windy conditions than their opponents. With the ball being kept low and played to both feet and forward movement this was probably the best display of pass and move football seen from the boys this season. It was five minutes into the game when Cally skillfully took down a high rebound and released Tom who calmly shot past the keeper. Taylor carrying over his confident second half performance from the previous week was unlucky not to score from his first two runs on goal. His first effort just skimming wide and his second well saved by the keeper. It was then third time lucky for Taylor, latching onto a fine Tom through ball he shot wide of the keeper for his first goal of the match. The Harvey and Tom combination was now finding it's way through the Town midfield and a well timed pass from Harvey released Tom to run on and score. Harvey was getting some really effective crosses in from the right 
flank, one of which was met at the far post by Taylor who volleyed into the roof of the net to put Mundford four up after fifteen minutes. Cally who was doing a lot of spade work on the left of midfield, threaded an angled pass through to Harvey who side stepped his marker and made no mistake from just inside the box. Thetford began to come to terms with the windy conditions and were starting to make inroads into Mundford's final third of the pitch. It took some top defending from Harry and Ollie to prevent the home side getting in on goal. Tom then proceeded to take the score to seven-nil with two more goals just before half time. The first of the brace was a low shot from yet another Harvey through ball and the second being a neat turn and shot from a quickly taken Cally throw in. Mundford started the second half with the wind at their backs. They soon made the most of this advantage when again a Harvey pass picked out Tom who drove in a powerful strike from twenty five yards. With the impressive Shay getting forward from his defensive position it wasn't long before another goal was added to the mounting tally. Shay slotted a well timed ball down the line to Harvey who laid it back into the defenders path. Shay hit the ball from thirty yards out, his shot crashed  against the crossbar and feel to the grateful feet of Tom who tapped in the ball to bring up his double hat-trick With the wind now seeming to blow a little stronger, Thetford were, to their credit , still trying to keep to ball low and play out of defence.  They were unlucky to concede a corner from which Harvey's cross sailed straight into the net, no doubt aided by the strong wind. By now Mundford were ten goals up but Thetford refused to stop trying. A free kick was awarded to the home side about five yards outside the box. A lovely chip was played over the Mundford wall to the back post, from where it was skillfully volleyed into the net giving keeper Josh no chance. Tom soon after bagged himself his seventh of the day after getting on the end of a great team passing move to shoot low from distance and beyond the keepers reach. Harvey then repeated his trick of scoring directly from a corner for a second time. He then went on to score his fourth of the day with a powerful run and shot. With three minutes left Taylor scored another two goals also bringing his tally to four. The first a well placed lob over oncoming defence and the second a speedy run and shot. Just before the final whistle Mundford scored goal number sixteen. Cally was finally rewarded after being denied by a couple of great saves by the Town goalie with a much deserved goal. Well done boys. You all played for each other and as a team today. This is the way to score goals. Lets push on to our ultimate objective.
Final Score Thetford 1 Mundford 16

OPPOSITION'S MAN OF THE MATCH - TOM WALTERS (Here there and everywhere)

MANAGER'S MAN OF THE MATCH - TOM WALTERS (I would like to give it to the whole squad but Mr 7 up just shaded it)

13 Jan 08- Mundford Vs Thetford

The boys started this game in a very disorganized fashion. This enabled Thetford to have the better of the opening exchanges. Indeed the visitors showed a willingness to fight for every ball, a desire that seemed to be lacking in Mundford's opening play. With too many passes not finding their target, it was evident that frustration was stunting the boys usual free flowing style of play. It was mid way through the first half when Mundford scored the goal they desperately needed to settle them down and
instill the confidence required to move the ball around. The all important goal game through Taylor Deacon who nipped in between two defenders to score. With their confidence boosted, a second goal soon followed. A neat reverse pass by Harvey Robertson picked out Tom Walters who made no mistake from close range. With the movement in front of the ball now returning to their game, Tom Walters scored a third after being picked out by a well timed Cally Sanders pass. Thetford then had a good spell of winning balls in mid field. This required defenders Harry Taylor, Ollie Gritty and Shay Tompson to remain alert. This they all did, denying the visitors several scoring opportunities with well timed blocks.
With five minutes left to the break, a poor clearance fell to Thetford striker Spencer Bolton who showing great composure chipped the ball over  advancing goalie Josh Wilkinson giving him no chance to make a save. Mundford restored their four goal advantage straight from the restart. Cally Sanders was brought down on the edge of the Thetford goal area. The resulting free-kick was superbly struck into the top right corner of the net by Tom Walters, giving him a first half hat-trick. The second half began much the same as the first, with Thetford again having the better of the play. Thetford's attack went close on a couple of occasions with one powerful shot just going over the crossbar and another just going wide of the post. Harvey Robertson was by now back into his usual 'beat your marker and cross' mode, a well flighted ball found the head of Tom Walters who nodded hard and low under the keepers body. Also by this stage of the game, Taylor Deacon had rediscovered his 'scoring boots', first by running onto a Cally Sanders back post cross to side foot home and them by dribbling around three opponents to fire home
an unstoppable shot. He then scored his fourth of the day and Mundford's eighth by sprinting ahead of his  marker to slot home another Cally Sanders through ball.

Final Score Mundford 8 Thetford 1

OPPOSITION'S MAN OF THE MATCH - OLLIE GRITTY (Some nice passes)

MANAGER'S MAN OF THE MATCH - TOM WALTERS (Always in the right place at the right time)

6 Jan 08- Hethersett Vs Mundford

After the long Christmas break, Mundford returned to league action against a robust and determined Hethersett team. The home side soon made clear their intentions by forcing two excellent saves from keeper Josh Wilkinson. After being on the back foot for the first five minutes, Mundford began to bring
some width to their game with Harvey Robertson attacking the flag and  knocking in some neat crosses. It was one such cross that fell to Tom Walters on the edge of the box. Showing some nifty footwork he skipped past two defenders to score. Mundford went two up when the hard working Cally Sanders picked out Robertson with a pinpoint pass. Robertson then outpaced his marker to score his first of the day. The home side started to battle their way back into the game with some strong tackles and quick breaks. It was only some excellent goal-keeping by Wilkinson, who by diving in at opponents feet and stretching full length to push the ball round the post preserved Mundford's lead. With half time approaching a series of accurate passes between Walters and Robertson released Shay Tompson who brought the score to three-nil with a low drive into the net. The second half started with Hethersett
working hard in midfield, this had Mundford under pressure and only some intelligent defending by Harry Taylor and yet another great save by Wilkinson stopped the home side from scoring. After absorbing the Hethersett pressure, Mundford forced a corner. This was quickly taken and resulted in Walters tapping in from close range for Mundford's fourth of the match. Hethersett still continued to dig deep trying to fight their way back into the game only to be denied a well deserved goal by another fine Wilkinson double save. This coupled with a fortunate rebound off of his back that only narrowly missed going into the net seemed to knock the wind out of the home team's sails. Mundford then went five-up when a defence splitting pass from Ollie Gritty was picked up by Taylor Deacon who scored from the edge of the box. Soon after Walters scored his third from another Robertson corner. With only a few minutes left on the clock, Gritty again turned  provider for Deacon. Showing a neat side-step and turn he released Deacon with a well timed pass that put the striker in for his second goal. With the game looking 
almost over, Harvey Robertson managed to score another two well taken goals, bringing his tally to Three.

Final Score Hethersett 0 Mundford 9

OPPOSITION'S MAN OF THE MATCH - TOM WALTERS (Great work rate)

MANAGER'S MAN OF THE MATCH - JOSH WILKINSON (A string of great saves)

25 Nov 07 - Mundford Vs Wymondham

Mundford U10s up against a much improved Wymondham side started in lively fashion and went one up after five minutes when a Taylor Deacon cross was knocked in by Tom Walters. Deacon then scored the home side's second when he cut inside his marker to score from a Robertson cross. As has sometimes
been the case this season, Mundford's eagerness to pile forward when they are in control of a game led to some scrappy play, with players crowding each other out, resulting in a poor pass or shot selection. Despite their lack of positional discipline the home side went into the half time break three up thanks to
well taken goal by Cally Sanders. With the second half only a minute old, Keeper Josh Wilkinson had a mad moment, throwing the ball directly to the Wymondham striker. However he made amends by sprinting off of his line and diving bravely at the forwards feet to prevent a certain goal. With their positional shortcomings now sorted out, the boys neat passing was bringing the tricky Robertson into the game on virtually every attack. His well placed crosses resulted in near misses from both Ollie Gritty and Shay Tompson. Robertson then scored a well deserved goal, shooting under the keeper's body after receiving a great through pass from Walters. With Mundford again pushing forward, the visitors
were allowed to break out and threaten the home goal, but thanks to some excellent tackling and distribution by Harry Taylor the home goal was rarely threatened. On any occasion a Wymondham player did get in on goal, keeper Wilkinson showed great courage by diving at opponents feet to grab the ball. Mundford's continued pressure was rewarded when Sanders showed some nifty footwork in a tight space to fire in goal number five. A good cross from the left flank by Deacon led to Walters
scoring from a skillfully knocked back Robertson pass. Towards the end of the game Sanders was hand to score two more fine goals, bringing his tally to four. This being his second batch of four in a fortnight, a great reward for all his hard work on the pitch.
Final Score Mundford 8 Wymondham 0

OPPOSITION'S MAN OF THE MATCH - HARVEY ROBERTSON (Great control and vision)

MANAGER'S MAN OF THE MATCH- HARRY TAYLOR (Very hard to choose this week between Harry, Tom, Cally and Harvey all of whom put in good individual performances)

18 Nov 07 - Mundford Vs Dereham Wanderers Harlequins

The boys started this game strongly enough but any early chances were being snuffed out by some resolute defending and a string of fine saves from the visitor's keeper who throughout the game would go on to bring off an array of top notch stops. With the new partnership of Harry Taylor and Shay Tompson looking very solid and in control at the back, this allowed the starting line-up of Ollie Gritty, Tom Walters and Harvey Robertson to knock the ball around quite nicely. For all their possession 
Mundford were still being kept at bay by the Quins keeper who kept frustrating the home attack. An 
Injury to Taylor Deacon led to the introduction of Cally Sanders who soon changed the dynamics of the game with his tricky play and determination. Some neat inter play between Tom Walters and Harvey Robertson worked the ball into the box where Sanders was lurking at the far post, Robertson's pass picked out the left sided mid-fielder who scored from close range. Sanders was by now at the top of his
game and clearly enjoying his more attacking role knowing that  Taylor and Thompson were behind
and ready to break up any break outs by the visitors. Sanders quickly completed a first half hat-trick with a neat turn and shot for number two and by getting on to end of a slick Walters and Gritty
combination for his third. The boys started the second half with the advantage of a cold wind at 
their backs, this they turned to their advantage when a well driven cross by Taylor Deacon was slotted home by the alert Harvey Robertson. Minutes later, Robertson returned the favour by crossing to Deacon who tapped in. After a another couple of fine saves by the keeper Mundford were awarded a
free-kick just outside the centre circle. Tom Walters stepped up and  let fly with one of his unstoppable thunderbolts which flew into the upright giving the  keeper no chance. Walters was next on hand to fire home from twenty five yards after a Tompson drive was cleared to just outside the area. By now Mundford's pass and move style of play was proving a little too much for the visitors who have only been playing together as a team this season. Cally Sanders showed some great footwork in the box to score his fourth of the day and Taylor Deacon beat his man to notch his second with a well struck low shot. With the boys now nine goals up, Harvey Robertson scored what must be the fastest hat-trick
ever by a Mundford player. Three goals in as many minutes taking his tally to four. Taylor Deacon was on hand right at the end of the game to earn himself a hat-trick with a fine individual goal. This was another fine team performance by the whole squad including goalie Josh Wilkinson, who despite the lack of activity at his end of the pitch remained alert on a bitterly cold day and was quick off of his line to deal with any danger.
Final Score Mundford 13 DWH 0

OPPOSITION'S MAN OF THE MACH - CALLY SANDERS (Top player that boy)

MANAGER'S MAN OF THE MATCH - CALLY SANDERS (Just shading it from Shay Thompson who had another fine game at the back)

11 Nov 07 - Swaffham Vs Mundford

Mundford went into this game against Swaffham knowing anything less than three points would dent their challenge for another league title. After last weeks poor performance in the cup against Toftwood the defence was bolstered by Shay Tompson dropping back to partner Harry Taylor. This new look formation gave the visitors a more solid looking back line with both boys having fine games, especially
Tompson who looked very comfortable in his new role. The game started with both mid-fields working hard trying to find that final pass needed to open up the two very tight defences. Mundford were the first to score when Taylor Deacon got on the end of a Harvey Robertson cross and lifted the ball
over the keepers head. With the end to end first half coming to a close Swaffham drew level. A well driven cross into a crowded Mundford goal area saw a home forward react quickly to tap home.
After being reminded about the importance of the game at half time the boys dug a little deeper and started to show that they can battle against teams that have good positional discipline and a strong
work ethic such as that being shown by the Swaffham boys. Mundford's willingness to get stuck into tackles paid dividends when Ollie Gritty nicked the ball from his opponent, his pass found Tom Walters who slotted a fine pass beyond the defence for Deacon to run on and shoot beyond the keepers reach.
Walters then scored the goal of the game. A half clearance fell twenty five yards out, Walters with great technique got over the ball to fire home a shot that was never more than a foot above the ground
as it flew into the net. Mundford netted a fourth soon after, again through Walters who profited from the hard work and skillful play of Cally Sanders who's determination took him past two opponents
before picking out his captain. Swaffham then came back with a super goal of their own, their
striker cleverly beating his marker and giving keeper Josh Wilkinson no chance with a very well hit shot.
This was a great game played in a fine spirit by both teams, also a big-up to the referee who played the advantage rule to great effect which added to the fine and entertaining performance by both teams.
Final Score Swaffham 2 Mundford 4

OPPOSITION'S MAN OF THE MATCH - CALLY SANDERS (Great vision and work rate)
MANAGER'S MAN OF THE MATCH - SHAY THOMPSON (Brilliant game in a new position)

4 Nov 07 - Toftwood Vs Mundford ( League Cup 2nd Round)

Mundford visited Toftwood in the second round of the cup and put in what can only be described as by far their worst performance in over two years. With too many of the boys playing well below the high standards they are capable of, this game was handed to the hard working opposition on a plate. Toftwood showed that they wanted to be first to every ball and were willing to attack and defend in numbers. This work rate could not be matched by Mundford and as a result they found themselves 3-0 down at half time. After the restart Tom Walters managed to pull a goal back, but on the very few occasions when their football opened up the Toftwood defence the home keeper was equal to anything coming his way. Toftwood then put the game out of reach with a well worked fourth goal. The only plus point from this game was the' never say die' attitude shown by Cally Sanders who ran himself into the ground chasing a lost cause. The boys know they are so much better than this performance suggests and when they return to league duty, they can again start playing the high quality football parents and supporters have become accustomed to.

Final Score Toftwood 4 Mundford 1

OPPOSITION'S MAN OF THE MATCH - CALLY SANDERS (Impressive work rate)

MANAGER'S MAN OF THE MATCH - CALLY SANDERS (By a mile)

14 Oct 07 - Mundford Vs Thetford (League Cup 1st Round)

In this first round cup tie against Thetford the boys came away with an 8-0 win. With the pressure being applied from the off, it wasn't long before Ollie Gritty opened the scoring with a well placed shot after being picked out by the tricky Harvey Robertson. Mundford gave regular goalie Josh Wilkinson a game outfield and he looked quite at home in his new roll by both making some strong tackles and laying off some neat passes. The second goal came after Tom Walters cleverly turned his marker and picked out Robertson who placed his shot passed the keeper. Walters then put the home side three up with a well placed shot over the goalie. With Harry Taylor in command at the back and the home goal not being troubled, Mundford went into sloppy mode. The second half was a real scrappy affair with too many Mundford players on personal missions to score goals, rather than playing the open football they are more than capable of. This led to a crowded opposition penalty area which saw too many players trying to shoot through markers rather than spreading play to the flanks and being patient. On the very few occasions the boys got their heads up and played to feet they opened up the visitors back line. A point in case was great ball from Cally Sanders who's diagonal pass to Taylor Deacon was tapped into his stride and fired home. The hard working Sanders then reversed a pass to Walters who shot hard and low past the keeper for number five. The sixth came when Cally Sanders powered passed two defenders and shot into the roof of the net. This was a much deserved goal for the little midfielder who's work rate so far this season hasn't been rewarded with much luck in front of goal. Taylor Deacon notched his second when he slid onto a far post cross to guide the ball home. Mundford's eighth and final goal came when Shay Tompson turned and shot into the top corner of the net from outside the area. In summary, the boys need to be a lot more disciplined in their positional play, or retaining their league title will be an uphill struggle.

Final Score Mundford 8 Thetford 0

OPPOSITION'S MAN OF THE MATCH - CALLY SANDERS

MANAGER'S MAN OF THE MATCH - CALLY SANDERS (Bright spot in a scrappy game)

7 Oct 07 - Litcham Vs Mundford

Title rivals Mundford and Litcham dished up a game that must have been a delight for any watching neutral fan, however it was a very nervous affair for both sets of coaches and supporters. Despite Mundford applying the early pressure it was Litcham who netted first with a well struck goal from the edge of the area. Tom Walters leveled the score after forcing his way to the edge of the box to score. The home side again took the lead when a long range shot slipped through goalie Josh Wilkinson's hands. Mundford began to exploit the home defence on the flanks but wasted some gilt edged chances through poor finishing and a lack of awareness of players in better scoring positions. The Introduction of Ollie Gritty soon paid off when his neat through ball found Harvey Robertson who in turn put in Walters for the equaliser. The pace of the game didn't let up during the second half. With both teams going at each others goal in an effort to break the deadlock, both keepers made a succession of fine stops and blocks to keep things even. With ten minutes left on the clock Mundford were hit on the counter attack. Litcham's quick break left Harry Taylor outnumbered and it was an easy task for the home side to score. Mundford again began to pressure the home goal looking for the equaliser that wasn't going to come, and paid the price when Litcham again broke out to to score a late fourth. This was a cracking game to watch that could have easily ended up as a 15-15 draw. It should again make things very interesting at the end of the season, subject to the coaching teams nerves and hearts holding out.

Final Score Litcham 4 Mundford 2

OPPOSITION'S MAN OF THE MATCH - HARVEY ROBERTSON

MANAGER'S MAN OF THE MATCH - TOM WALTERS (Incredible work rate trying to inspire his team-mates to find that extra resolve needed to win battles).

30 Sept 07 - Dereham Wanderers Blue Vs Mundford

Mundford U10s visited unbeaten table toppers Dereham Blue and needed to be on top form to match the hard working and strong tackling home side. Both teams were battling hard in midfield but Mundford opened the scoring when Shay Tompson lifted the ball over the home defence for Harvey Robertson to nip in and score. Minutes later, Robertson placed a corner kick directly at Tompson's feet for an easy tap in. Taylor Deacon made it three when his clever turn took him away from his marker allowing him the space to run at the goal and score. The hard working Deacon then pressured the ball off of the Blue's left back and found Robertson who shot passed the keeper. Some neat interplay by the Blues midfield worked the ball into the Mundford area where their striker cleverly slotted through a crowded goal area into the net. The Blues were unlucky not narrow the gap even further when a thundering shot hit the bar only to come straight back into keeper Wilkinson's hands. Mundford's fifth came when a Robertson cross evaded everyone to sneak in at the back post. Tom Walters rifled home a penalty to make it six after Tompson was tripped up from behind and Ollie Gritty made it seven when he reacted quickly to a low cross. Robertson then claimed his hat-trick after being put in by Tompson. Mundford saved their best goal to last, a great ball by Gritty picked out Robertson who laid the ball into the path of the oncoming Deacon who fired home. This fine performance built on the bedrock of defensive partners Harry Taylor and Cally Sanders.

Final score Dereham Wanderers Blue 1 Mundford 9

OPPOSITIONS MAN OF THE MATCH - HARRY TAYLOR "Great Performance"

MANAGER'S MAN OF THE MATCH - HARRY TAYLOR (Mr reliable, not a foot wrong)

16 Sept 07 - Mundford Vs Watton Wanderers

Mundford U10's at home to Watton Wanderers gained all three points with a fine 7-0 victory. The home side took the lead through Shay Thomson who beat two defenders to score. Directly after, Taylor Deacon hassled the ball off of a Watton defender and picked out Tom Walters who fired home. Mundford's third came when a diagonal pass by Cally Sanders found Ollie Gritty who skillfully chipped the keeper with the outside of his left boot. The second half saw an eager home side getting forward at every opportunity. This left space behind the Mundford defence which Watton surged into, but goalie Josh Wilkinson and last man Harry Taylor stood their ground to deny the visitors any scoring chances. Mundford's fourth came when Taylor Deacon tapped in a near post corner. Man of the Match Harvey Robertson bagged two goals, the first by getting on the end of a great move involving Sanders and Deacon and the second, a great strike from a very tight angle. The home side scored number seven when Deacon knocked in a fine pass from Gritty.

Final Score Mundford 7 Watton Wanderers 0

OPPOSTION'S MAN OF THE MATCH - HARVEY ROBERTSON

MANAGER'S MAN OF THE MATCH - HARRY TAYLOR (for a tight defensive display)

9 Sept 07 - Mundford Vs Hethersett

Mundford U10's opened the new season with a 7-1 home victory against Hethersett. The visitors made things difficult for the home side by getting plenty of players behind the ball to deny space to the attack minded home side. Mundford finally broke down the resolute visiting defence when Shay Thomson slotted a fine pass between the centre backs for Harvey Robertson to score. The boys soon scored again when some neat footwork by Ollie Gritty released Tom Walters to slot home. Mundford's third came when Harry Taylor chipped the back line for Robertson to nip in for his second goal. Robertson was on on hand soon after to finish off a fine team goal and claim his hat-rick. Hethersett pulled a goal back just before half time with a powerful low shot that flew into the net. After the restart Thomson blasted home a weak goal-kick to give him his first league goal for the club. Taylor Deacon opened his account after his strong run at the back line resulted in goal number six. The final goal came when the very impressive Cally Sanders put in Robertson for his fourth of the day. With Josh Wilkinson delivering a solid performance in goal and the team in front of him giving a great display, this should be another successful season!

Final Score Mundford 7 Hethersett 1

OPPOSITION'S MAN OF THE MATCH - TOM WALTERS

MANAGER'S MAN OF THE MATCH - CALLY SANDERS