Dyson hits first senior hat-trick as the Reserves cruise to victory.

Lineup: Close, Hyde, Donovan, Riseborough, Wilford, Farrow, Dyson, Steward, Cullum, Rix, Clarke.

Subs: Brown (55), Eyre (70), McKenzie (75).

Reserve team regulars Newsome, Bailey and Bird were missing so Dyson, Brown and MacKenzie recieved a call up to the squad.

Things didn’t start well though as the referee decided not to show up, so a pensioner from the sidelines volunteered to ref the game, wearing the same colour clothes as the home team.

Despite the colour crash, Mulbarton took an early lead as a Clarke corner was only half cleared out to Dyson, who controlled neatly and placed a thundering half volley into the took right corner.

Shortly after, Steward made it two with a header from another Clarke delivery.

I think it was a Clarke delivery but I am not sure as I quickly popped into the changing rooms to check the Arsenal score. It may have been a Riseborough throw-in.

It was turning into an impressive attacking display from Mulbarton, who used wingers Farrow and Cullum to good effect as they constantly rinsed the Cressingham full backs. It’s just a shame they can’t shoot.

On the sidelines we saw Brown and MacKenzie taken on a couple of 8 year olds on the nearby five-a-side pitch while Eyre ran the line and manager Harvey continued bellowing from the side lines.

Half Time – Great Cressingham 0 – 2 Mulbarton

The game was effectively over already but this didn’t stop Mulbarton from playing decent football and forcing attack after attack.

Riseborough’s throws were becoming a huge problem for the opposition.

Dyson grabbed his second of the game but again I missed it. However, he told me it was a great goal.

The defence of Hyde, Donovan, Riseborough and Wilford were solid, and probably bored as they ball rarely reached our own half.

As for our goalkeeper, well….

With 55 minutes on the clock, we saw Harvey make his first decent decision as manager and bring on last season’s top goalscorer Brown.

Despite missing a couple of chances, Brown picked up the ball when a free-kick was awarded 20 yards out.

I don’t need to say what happened….

Brown celebrated by shrugging his arms to the bench.

Eyre and MacKenzie came on to toughen up the defence and midfield for the remaining minutes.

Steward then added his second with a decent run and finish to cap off a fine performance.

There was still time for more though as Mulbarton were awarded a late penalty.

Up stepped Dyson, who was given the responsibility as he was on for his hat-trick.

Not put off by his horrendous penalty miss just three weeks ago on Mulberry Park, Dyson slotted it home with ease and hasn’t stopped talking about his hat-trick since.

In the remaining minutes, one of the Cressingham players lit up a cigarette on the pitch and started smoking. Normal.

Final score : Great Cressingham 0 – 6 Mulbarton

Brilliant professional performance by the lads despite the opposition taking the game as a bit of a joke.

We still had to go out there and do a job, and we certainly did.

Hard to pick a Man of the Match as there were many standout performances. Steward, Rix, Clarke, Cullum but Dyson just about wins it for his non-stop box to box running and impressive hat-trick.

Tom Brown