Following on from Monday’s superb Don Frost Cup win, manager’s Danny Self and Ben Thompson had their team selection made for them with all 10 outfield players deservedly keeping their places. The only change came in goal, where the experienced Duncan McAnally made his debut in place of the holidaying Tom Wright.

The match started evenly, with both teams displaying some sloppiness in possession and a struggle to create a clear opening. Reepham actually had the better of the opening opportunities, with the Reepham goalkeeper’s long kick initially causing some problems. It was one of these long kicks that created Reepham’s first chance as the ball fell to the Reepham front man who powered a thunderous strike against the bar.

This proved to be the wake up call that Mulbarton needed as the away side’s dominance on the game grew continuously from this point, with Thompson’s powerful running into wide areas crucial in gaining Mulbarton a foothold in the game.

The opener came from Jamie George latching on to a loose ball before cutting back for Eliot Altay to finish what has become a trademark late run into the box. This goal gave Mulbarton the confidence to assert their superiority on the game, and quickly started to create further chances with Hayden Gibbons in particular getting himself into some fantastic positions with only his finishing letting him down.

The second goal then followed with George looking up to spot the run of Ben Thompson who outmuscled his man and the one on one finish was then never in doubt. Wanderers then took the game out of their hosts reach with impressive work from Jamie Smith cutting in from the left to pick out the lurking Altay to prod home from close range.

On the stroke of half time Reepham did get a goal back in bizarre circumstances as a cross hit the bar before a strong gust of wind then took the bouncing ball into the gaping net. As the half time whistle blew Mulbarton did not let this phase them as in truth Reepham will have been feeling fortunate to go in with a two goal deficit.

Half Time: Reepham Town 1-3 Mulbarton Wanderers

The second half began in a similar fashion with Mulbarton dominating the ball with Sutcliffe and Chef Gibbons rarely looking threatened in defence. Mulbarton were managing the game well and Reepham’s frustration told as their number 2 received a straight red card after kicking Thompson inexplicably when the ball was long gone; he can have no complaints.

Reepham continued to work hard with a man less but spaces did begin to open up for Brock and Bland to move up and involve themselves more going forward from full back. Brock had an effort saved following an impressive solo run and substitutes Aulert and Doggett nearly combined to great effect only for the latter’s shot to flash marginally wide. The match was capped off with Altay sealing his hat-trick with a strong header from a beautifully drilled corner from Self.

Full Time: Reepham Town 1 - 4 Mulbarton Wanderers

Man of the Match: Eliot Altay

Overall, Mulbarton will be delighted to have taken their Don Frost Cup success on into the league season but will be cautiously aware that chance conversion will need to be higher in future weeks. Of course the big positive is that the chances were created to be missed, without ever looking stretched at the back. It was also great to see ex-Wanderer Reece Ashman on the field this afternoon following a serious head injury last year.

We now look forward to hosting Bradenham Wanderers at Mulberry Park on Tuesday night under the lights for what is certain to be a tough test with the Bulldogs currently holding a 100% record in the league.

Match Report by Dom Doggett