The First Team arrived at Trafford Park looking to build on the midweek victory over Long Stratton at Mulberry Park. Wanderers were forced into making a change pre-match as Scott Woodgate (who scored our third on Tuesday) picked up an injury during the warm up and was replaced by Dom Doggett in the starting line-up.

There were signs that the weather is finally starting to improve as although there was a slight drizzle, there was no wind blowing across the pitch as Thompson got us underway. Mulbarton started the better of the two sides and created an early chance when Aulert was played through on goal but Barnes was quick off of his line and did well to block Chaz from advancing any further before diving on the loose ball. Although we were enjoying the majority of possession in the early stages, the home side were defending resolutely and provided a threat of their own going forward utilising the pace of Miles and Nyadzayo and the two combined before Miles managed to get past Brocky and fizz a low shot across goal but Wright did well to get down quick and divert for a corner.

Gibbons and Guyton continued to win their battles in midfield and were quick to send us on the attack and some good work from Thompson won us a series of corners that were defended well by Wenn and Co. Doggett and Curtis then both tried their luck from distance but were unable to guide their curling efforts on target. In a half of few chances for either side, the best opportunity fell late on when Doggett found Thompson in the middle of the box but an awkward bounce resulted in his effort rising high over the bar. Brock then had his name written in the referee's book as he was shown a yellow shortly before the break.

Half-Time | Wroxham Reserves 0-0 Mulbarton Wanderers

An early chance fell to the lively Nyadzayo but he fired his effort wide of Wright's post. Wanderers went straight down the other end and Doggett cut inside before his shot was diverted for a corner which was taken by Self and headed just wide by John Curtis. A few moments later and Aulert was sent sprinting down the right but his cross was well blocked for another corner. Selfy's delivery was once again met by the head of Curtis but this time looped over the crossbar. Thompson then had the ball in the Wroxham net but his strike was correctly chalked off by the lino as he was in an offside position.

However, we won another corner and it proved to be third time lucky. Self floated a dangerous ball towards the centre of goal and Mark Sutcliffe jumped highest to guide a powerful header into the top corner to give Wanderers the lead. It was a trademark finish from the skipper and his fourth of the season. 0-1

A quickly taken free-kick presented Hayden Gibbons with a chance to grab a quickfire second but Barnes rushed out and made himself big and Gibbo was unable to lift the ball over the Wroxham stopper. Then came a response from Wroxham and they used a quickly taken free-kick of their own to work the ball forward to Ryan Miles and the hero of the Norfolk County FA U18's semi-final victory found space and levelled the game with a delightful strike into the top corner. 1-1

Buoyed by that equaliser, the hosts then went looking for another and Wanderers had Wright to thank when Nyadzayo shook off Sutcliffe's challenge and only had Tom to beat but our number one was equal to his effort and the danger was cleared. It was then deemed time for reinforcements and Jamie Smith replaced Dom Doggett. The young yauchtsmen looked to preserve their point and were dealing with everything we could throw at them in the closing stages.

There was time for one last chance as the ball was sent into the area and Aulert won the race to head past the onrushing Barnes but his challenge was enough to prevent Chaz from getting enough on it and the danger was cleared by Wroxham's number 15 before it could reach the goal and Wanderers penalty claims were waved away by Sandwell.

Full-Time | Wroxham Reserves 1-1 Mulbarton Wanderers