SAS send Mulbarton into the Second Round

The First Team arrived at the Attleborough Rec full of confidence following a successful August which produced a Don Frost Cup win and maximum points from 3 league games. Meeting Attleborough in cup competition is becoming a bit of a habit as we also visited the same ground in last seasons second round and coming away victorious usually proves to be a good omen as we went on to win the Mummery Cup last season and also beat our opponents on route to our Cyril Ballyn Cup Triumph in 2013.

There was one change to the starting line up that faced Blofield last time out as Jamie Smith made way for Jamie George. However, the biggest news of the day was confirmation that our very own Duane James would be running the line. After his well documented cameo for the A Team last week, is there anything this man can not do?

Basking in the glorious sunshine, the referee signalled for the game to begin and Mulbarton looked to get on the front foot immediately but it was Attleborough who carved out the first chance of the match as the ball was played down the right hand side and their forward just managed to beat Brock for pace and steer an effort goalwards but he was denied by a smart save from Wright low to his left.

Wanderers responded well as Brock surged upfield and won a throw in. Self found Thompson who beat his man before being bundled down just inside the box but the ref judged that the initial contact was made outside the box and awarded a free kick much to the bemusement of Thompson and Co. Self's delivery was cleared and Attleborough continued to threaten on the break but were finding it difficult to breach our back line which currently boasts the best record in the Anglian Combination Premier Division.

Fifteen minutes had past when our opponents produced a carbon copy of the move that called Wright into action at the beginning of the game but on this occasion Brock timed his tackle to perfection to deny a goalscoring opportunity. Down the other end Thompson raced down the right and drilled a delicious low ball into the area which was diverted over the crossbar by the Attleborough centre half. George then played a lovely defence splitting pass into Doggett but a well timed challenge prevented Dom from being one on one with former Mulbarton keeper Joshua Guiness.

Attleborough then had a chance to grab the opening goal as the ball was crossed into the area, Sutcliffe did well to flick the ball away from one player but it fell to another who struck it on the half volley but Wright had rushed out and made himself big to block the shot and Gibbo cleared any further danger. Another Wanderers attack was broken down and just as Town looked to counter, a trademark Danny Self slide tackle superbly won back possession and the gaffers combined as he played a pin point pass into Thompson who fired just over the bar. A shoulder injury then spelled the end of the game for Thompson and he had to be replaced by Smith.

Two minutes later the home side were awarded a free kick in a central position just outside our area. It was smashed low into the yellow and red wall but was then played out wide to Brown who sent a lovely cross into the box that was headed in by Carr at the far post to give our hosts the lead. 1-0

Mulbarton looked for a swift reply and the ball fell to the in form Altay inside the box but a heroic block from Lawrence prevented Eliot from notching his 7th of the season. Such was the ferocity of Altay's strike that Lawrence stayed down and had to receive lengthy treatment on the pitch. When play resumed the ball was sent down the left to the energetic Doggett and he delivered a peach of a cross onto the head of Jamie Smith who did brilliantly to power the ball past Guiness. 1-1

Wanderers then picked up another injury just before the interval as Chris Gibbons went down at the back and the referee blew his whistle for half time with Gibbo still receiving treatment from Stevenson.

Half Time - Attleborough Town 1-1 Mulbarton Wanderers

Attleborough were sent out early by their manager which was an indication that he was not happy with the first half performance and when Wanderers emerged from the changing rooms it was confirmed that Simpson would replace Gibbons and the versatile Altay would slot into our defence next to Captain Sutcliffe.

Mulbarton started the second half on the offensive looking for the all important third goal of the game and it came in the 53rd minute as Jamie George linked up well with Danny Self who coolly slotted the ball past Guiness to give us the lead. Selfy clearly likes the Mummery Cup as he also scored against Sheringham and here in Attleborough in last year's competition. 1-2

Ten minutes later and torrential rain arrived to make conditions difficult for both sets of players. Both teams proceeded to cancel eachother out during the downpour which lasted until the 76th minute of the game. Attleborough began to press in search of an equaliser and went for broke as they sent on all three subs. Wanderers stood firm and some great driving runs from the likes of Hayden Gibbons, Joel Potter and Charlie Aulert were helping the team close out the game while the two Jamie's continued to threaten up front.

Attleborough produced one final assault as we entered injury time with a string of corners that were cleared by Wanderers before a long throw in created a scramble in the box that Mulbarton were happy to see go out of play for a goal kick. Wright sent the ball upfield and the referee signalled the end of the game.

Full Time - Attleborough Town 1-2 Mulbarton Wanderers

The First Team book their place in the second round and another fixture against Attleborough ends with a 2-1 scoreline. Attention now returns to the league and a trip to promoted Hellesdon next Saturday.

Man of the Match - Jamie George

Mummery Cup Results - First Round

Attleborough Town 1-2 Mulbarton Wanderers
Beccles Town 5-1 Acle United
Blofield United 2-0 Reepham Town
Hellesdon 2-1 Bradenham Wanderers
Mattishall 1-0 Yelverton
Norwich CEYMS 4-0 Kirkley & Pakefield Res
St Andrews 5-2 North Walsham Town
Stalham Town 1-4 Harleston Town
UEA 2-8 Wroxham Res
Watton United 1-2 Long Stratton (AET)
Waveney 1-1 Caister (Pen 2-4)