Wanderers return to winning ways

After two weeks of torrential rain, it was a welcome sight to see Mulberry Park basking in glorious sunshine as the two teams walked out onto the hallowed turf on Saturday Afternoon. Mulbarton made three changes to the squad that travelled to Hellesdon last time out as John Curtis, Joel Potter and Adam Brown replaced Chris Gibbons, Adam Bennett and Jamie Smith.

Wanderers, looking to get back on the winning trail in the Premier Division after last week’s defeat were quickly out the blocks against Waveney and immediately on the front foot as we enjoyed lengthy spells of possession in the Waveney half. The first chance fell to Self who fired just wide after being played in by the lively Potter.

Our continued high press then resulted in the ball finding Doggett who twisted and turned his way into space before watching his curling effort land onto the roof of the net. Shortly afterwards we were awarded a free-kick just outside our opponents box and it was taken by Potter, who bent a gorgeous effort up and over the wall but Clabburn produced a fine save low to his left to deny Joel his first goal of the season.

Sutcliffe, Curtis, Brock and Potter all deserve credit for their aggressive defending high up the pitch which prevented our opponents from having a sniff on goal for the majority of the half. It was from this tenacious work that our next chance arrived as we won possession and the ball was floated into Jamie George who tried to dink it over Clabburn but it was slightly overhit.

Brock was then taken down on the right hand side and the two managers proved to be on the same wavelength once again as Self spotted Thompson's quick surge into the area and he squared the ball to Jam who attempted a deft flick with the inside of his right foot that beat the keeper but not his post. One further chance fell to the hosts as Thompson raced through on goal but Clabburn saved well to ensure we went into the break goalless.

Half-Time - Mulbarton Wanderers 0 - 0 Waveney

The second half started in the same manner as the first with Mulbarton in the ascendancy and we got our breakthrough five minutes into the half. Self delivered a corner towards Altay whose presence proved pivotal as the ball bounced off two Waveney players and into the net. It was a gift but was certainly a goal that our pressure deserved. 1-0

One goal is always a slender lead so Mulbarton continued their assault on the Waveney goal and Jamie George had two wonderful opportunities in the space of a minute to extend our lead. The first was struck straight at Clabburn and the second clipped the bottom of the post as Jam looked to find the bottom corner. He immediately looked to make amends as he lofted a lovely ball towards the back post where Altay was lurking but it was brilliantly intercepted by the head of a Waveney defender to deny a certain goal.

We were nearly left to rue those missed opportunities as Waveney countered and forced Wright into action twice in quick succession. Tom timed his run to perfection as he raced out and made himself big to palm away the first effort. A few minutes later the ball was cleared to the edge of our box and was met by an opposing player who thundered his shot goalwards only to be denied by a sensational acrobatic save by Wright.

Charlie Aulert then entered the fold and made an instant impact with his energy as he provided the assist for Thommo who forced another Clabburn save. The ball was once again played to Chaz in the move that followed and he exchanged a neat one-two with Thompson before his attempted pull back was diverted for a corner. Wanderers then proceeded to see the game out as Waveney continued to defend resolutely and the referee signalled the end of the game.

Full-Time - Mulbarton Wanderers 1 - 0 Waveney

Man of the Match - John Curtis

There is no game for the First Team next weekend as a few of our players are due to take part in the FA Inter League Cup on Saturday at the FDC. If you don't want to miss out on your local football fix then head over to Mulberry Park to watch the Reserves as they host Wymondham Town Reserves in the CS Morley Cup. Kick Off is 2pm.

Finally, I would like to end this match report with a quick shoutout to a young lad called Harry who was attending his first Mulbarton game on Saturday. We heard that you enjoyed it and look forward to welcoming you and your family back to Mulberry Park again soon.