Disappointing Performance Leads to Defeat

Wanderers were again without Simpson but were able to welcome back Ramsbottom and Reading to the squad.

The opening five minutes were flat in tempo from both sides but gradually Wanderers took charge and when a poor goal kick fell to the feet of Simon Freemantle the attacker floated an inch-perfect ball into the path of Mark Appleton who turned his man and guided the ball into the net.

With their tails up Wanderers had the beating of the Cromer back four but were unable to double their lead. Then inexplicably the game changed. A number of mis-placed passes gifted possession to Cromer and they were finding a lot of time and space on the ball. Mulbarton players were becoming increasingly frustrated at some of the decisions being made by the referee and focus on the game was completely lost by some.

Space and time afforded to Cromer players on the edge of the box allowed a number of shots which Clifford tipped over the bar but the warning signs were there for all to see.

After 40 minutes the ball went out of play on the Mulbarton left with the home side expecting it to be awarded to them it was given to the visitors and from that throw they worked the ball into the penalty area where their striker got a shot away which was parried by Clifford, the rebound was also blocked but then the striker fell to the floor and the referee saw fit to give Cromer a penalty. Horton converted the spot kick well and Cromer were on level terms.

Half Time - Mulbarton 1 - 1 Cromer

The second half began as the first had ended - with Cromer on top. Town's midfield had time and space to run the game and Mulbarton's frustrations were clearly getting the better of them. On 60 minutes the Crabs took the lead when a poor freekick from the edge of our own penalty area went straight to an opposing midfielder, Cromer swept forward unopposed and Dyball struck the top corner with one of the best toe punts you'll ever see.

Cromer had the ball in the back of the net again when another freekick on the edge of our own penalty area went horribly wrong, but this time we were grateful for the referee's intervention ordering a re-take because he hadn't blown his whistle.

Changes were made to push men forward searching for an equaliser but too often Mulbarton failed to clear their lines and invited pressure on themselves. Cromer had chances to make it 3-1 but failed to do so and the best chance for an equaliser fell to Freemantle who worked space for a shot but his effort was well blocked by a defender.

Full Time - Mulbarton 1-2 Cromer

After three good wins and performances this was a really disappointing display from the entire team who, after showing such promising signs in the opening fifteen minutes completely collapsed thereafter. Cromer are a good footballing side and fully deserved the win but the players need to ask themselves exactly why they were allowed to dictate and win the game. Whilst the quality won't always be present in a performance players should always be able to show desire to win, but today we had neither.

Next week we're away to Wroxham Reserves in the 3rd round of the Mummery Cup and expecting a big reaction from the squad.