Hat Trick Hero Downs Harleston

Wanderers were without Simpson, Challen and Farrow but were able to welcome back Reading for a rare appearance as well as Payne-Wilkins and McCloy who had bothed impressed in the Reserves recently.

After a disappointing result against Cromer Town two weeks ago it was back to basics for Mulbarton who set up to try to contain their talented opponents. Three wins on the bounce for the new Harleston management team had clearly given their side confidence and they looked dangerous whenever they attacked, taking advantage of some sloppy passes around our own penalty area and twice going close from crosses which flashed across the six yard box.

However it was Wanderers who took the lead from a quick counter-attack. Freemantle released Appleton who cut the ball across to Butler arriving on the edge of the box, his flick found McKail whose sliced shot found Appleton unmarked to the right of the Harleston goal. From an acute angle he smashed the ball into the far top corner of the net with the outside of his right foot.

The hosts didn't have to wait long for a response, and when they stole possession in their own half a quick break of their own found Halls in space and he slotted the ball past Clifford for the equaliser.

Harleston were enjoying the lions-share of possession but were unable to capitalise and Mulbarton were looking dangerous on the break, with Appleton powering past his markers at will.

Half Time - Harleston 1-1 Mulbarton

The second half almost got off to a dream start when a slick passing move cut through the Town defence with ease but Howes made a good save from Appleton to deny Mulbarton the lead. At the other end Halls was guilty of missing a golden opportunity after Clifford had made an initial save, palming the ball into the path of the striker who skyed his effort from six yards out.

A cross from the right somehow met the head of an unmarked Harleston midfielder but, fortunately for Mulbarton the header went straight into Clifford's hands.

Clifford then turned provider when he received a back pass from Curtis which he cleared over the top of the Harleston defence and into the path of Appleton. The striker used his pace and strength and then showed composure to slot the ball into the bottom corner to give Wanderers the lead.

Harleston were piling men forward but this left them exposed at the back and the visitors took full advantage to score their third. Reading broke forward from inside his own half and he switched the ball brilliantly to Ramsbottom who was arriving at the penalty area from the right. The full back's touch was great to take him past his defender and he had the awareness to slide a pass into Appleton who scored with a powerful strike in off the cross bar.

We were then unfortunate to lose two players to injury - Ramsbottom went down with a hamstring injury after another lung-busting run into the opposition's penalty area, and Butler was scythed down causing an injury to his shin.

Harleston hit back with a goal from Halls. The striker following up a rebound and tucking the ball into the net. The hosts were now on top with Mulbarton defending deeper and deeper, and it looked likely that they would grab that equaliser.

Then came a couple of moments of controversy. Appleton chased down a Harleston defender who was shielding a ball to go out of play for a goal kick. He managed to nick the ball off the defender but as he was getting away from him a "coming together" saw the striker hit the deck, halting his progress towards the goal. The referee immediately blew the whistle and awarded a penalty but she was signalled over by the linesman on that side who, along with some impressive appealing from the Harleston camp, managed to change the referee's mind and give a freekick to Harleston instead.

At the other end, and with only minutes to go the home side thought they had their equaliser, a header turned in from close range, only to be denied by the flag of the linesman on that side. This time their appeals were in vain as the referee again changed her mind after initially awarding the goal and Wanderers were given a free kick for offside.

There was one more chance in the game as the ball was chipped over Clifford and with the ball about to cross the line a last ditch clearance from McKail ensured there would be no equaliser and that Mulbarton would hang on to all three points.

Full Time - Harleston 2-3 Mulbarton

Whilst we weren't brilliant today you could not fault our effort and commitment to the cause. We knew we would be in for a tough game and that our opposition would enjoy long spells of possession, but the way in which we battled right to the end was commendable. McKail's goal line clearance was testament to that "never say die" attitude.

Man of the Match - Mark Appleton. In one of his best ever performances for the club he the Harleston defence a torrid time all afternoon and took all three of his goals very well.

Next week we are at home to Kirkley & Pakefield Reserves at 2pm.