Wright fires Mulbarton to Don Frost Cup Glory

Much to the delight of many, pre season has come to an end and Mulbarton arrived at The FDC looking to claim the first piece of silverware that the season has to offer.

Thompson and Self handed competitive debuts to Liam Brock, Hayden Gibbons and Jamie George. With fellow summer signings Jack Simpson and Charlie Aulert amongst the substitutes.

Looking fresh in our new Yellow and Red Away strip, Mulbarton got the game underway.

As was the case when these two sides met last season, the game started with an even feel to it. The first chance came when the referee awarded a Harleston a free kick in a similar position to where we conceded to Acle in last season's Mummery Cup Final but the wall stood firm to ensure Wright was not called into action.

Shortly afterwards Mulbarton had a strong penalty claim waved away when Pauling looked to have felled Thompson in the box.

A few more half chances followed before Harleston countered and took the lead when Grady executed a deft chip over Wright to make it 1-0 to last season's League Runners-Up.

Mulbarton reacted well to going a goal behind and were nearly level after a Danny Self corner was flicked into the path of Altay who reacted well to steer the ball a whisker wide from close range.

Wright then produced a great save as he tipped Roberts goalbound chip onto the bar with Delaney scuffing the rebound.

Self, Altay and Gibbons were impressing in the middle of the park and it was the latter who picked up the games first yellow card after bringing down Delaney.

Mulbarton continued in search of an equaliser with our front line causing the Harleston defence problems with their movement and this lead to the ball finding Eliot Altay in the box who saw his first effort saved before he hammered home the rebound to level the scores at 1-1.

The score did not remain level for long as Harleston regained the lead when Russell was left with a simple tap in at the far post after a corner was flicked into his path shortly before half time.

HALF TIME: Harleston Town 2-1 Mulbarton Wanderers

The second half began in similar fashion to the first with both sides enjoying an even share of possession and the onus was on Mulbarton to construct an equaliser.

The first chance of the half fell to Mulbarton when a flowing move found Thompson who beat his man before firing wide from 12 yards. 65 minutes had passed and Mulbarton were visibly on top as we went in search of that all important equaliser.

The battles continued all over the pitch as George was booked after a foul on Burke. Continued Mulbarton pressing led to Thompson latching on to a poor backpass but he was denied by a good save by Pauling when through 1 on 1.

Mulbarton then made the first change of the match replacing Jamie George with Dom Doggett.

Shortly after the change we made our pressure tell. A beefy tackle from Altay won possession and the ball was sent through to Ben Thompson who once again proved he is the man for the big occasion as he finished well into the bottom corner to make it 2-2.

The equaliser sparked Harleston into life and they picked up the pace as they looked to regain their lead that had just been cancelled out. Amongst the action Simpson replaced Self.

The ball then ran free in our half and Hayden competed for the loose ball which was knicked away from him at the final second. The referee decided that this was enough to produce a second yellow card and Mulbarton were reduced to 10 men. Aulert was then sent on replacing Smith.

The red card made Harleston step up yet another gear in search of a late winner but they met a determined Mulbarton side who soaked up the pressure well. The final chance of the game fell to Harleston as Burroughs tried his luck from distance but was denied by another outstanding save from Wright.

FULL TIME: Harleston Town 2-2 Mulbarton Wanderers and it was straight to penalties.

Harleston would take the first penalty. No ABBA format but when all is said and done, the winner takes it all.

Page Scores 1-0
Thompson Scores 1-1
Burke Scores 2-1
Doggett SAVED 2-1
Burroughs Scores 3-1
C. Gibbons Scores 3-2
Stone Scores 4-2
Aulert Scores 4-3
Roberts MISSES 4-3
Altay with the pressure penalty... Scores 4-4
We're into sudden death
Russell Scores 5-4
Simpson Scores 5-5
Hitch Scores 6-5
Sutcliffe Scores 6-6
Pearce Scores 7-6
Bland Scores 7-7
Willis Scores 8-7
Brock Scores 8-8
Grady CRASHES THE BAR 8-8
Wright to win it......... SCORES!!! 8-9 and he wheels away with his jubilant teammates close behind as Mulbarton are confirmed as 2017 Don Frost Cup Winners.

So a third place finish and two trophies..... not a bad start to the Thompson/Self tenure. And long may it continue.