Reserves book a place in Ben Smith Cup semi final

Chris Richmond, Danny Cullum, Richard Donovan, Andy Shannon, Ben Wilford, Will Farrow, Tom Clarke, Sam Bird, Buddy Reeve, Jonny Bailey, Tom Brown.

Subs : James Hyde, Nick Wyer.

Mulbarton reached the semi-final of the (whatever cup it is) after a dominant display against Yaxham.

With manager Darren Carter away, Tom Brown and Richard Donovan were left in charge for the hosts who were looking forward to a battle against a team one division above them.

Last season’s manager Nick Wyer also made his return and was welcomed back to a chorus of cheers when spotted by the crowd.

After a scrappy start, Mulbarton took control of the game and nearly took the lead after Brown squared to Bird for an open goal. Bird unfortunately fired the ball over the bar and into the next village.

Clarke, in his new midfield role, almost broke the deadlock after an acrobatic over-head kick was well saved by the Yaxham goalkeeper.

However, Clarke went one better next time around and gave the Division 2 side the lead.

Centre back and newly engaged Andy Shannon found himself in the oppositions penalty box for the first time in his career and beat two players with some outrageous skills before knocking the ball into Clarke, who fired home into the bottom corner.

Yaxham were limited to few attacks and when threatening to score a goal, were thwarted by the Mulbarton back four of Cullum, Donovan, Shannon and Winford.

Half time – Mulbarton Res 1 v 0 Yaxham.

Mulbarton knew if they carried on in the same way they could cause an upset here and went into the second half full of confidence.

Amanda Bailey was on the touchline which helped the side, as a few players were desperately trying to impress her.

As were Mr and Mrs Wilford, who were heard shouting ‘well done Winnie’ every 30 seconds. Mrs Wilford also couldn't keep her eyes off Brown's legs.

Mulbarton continued to attack the Yaxham back-line as Farrow’s and Reeve’s pace on the wings were causing all kind of problems.

1-0 shortly became 2-0 as the impressive Bird beat a couple of players and fed Bailey, who ended his goal-drought with a superb left foot drive past the keeper.

Reeve was given a rest as James Hyde came on to tighten up the defence, as Yaxham went all out attack to get themselves back into the game.

However, it was game, set and match minutes later as Bird picked the ball up on the half way line and worked his way to the edge of the box to smash home the third.

The defence continued to keep tight with goalkeeper Richmond, making his Mulbarton debut, sweeping up any long balls.

Brown came off for Wyer in the final stages and despite missing a few late chances, held on for an impressive scalp and a place in the semi-final.

Man of the match :

Everyone was brilliant today; not a weak link in the side. Just pipping everyone to man of the match though was Sam Bird who is now quite macho after spending most of his life in the gym.

Feel free to follow Bird on Twitter too as he regularly posts pictures of his daytime meals, which usually consist of tuna, pasta and protein shake.

And finally, a huge congratulations to Andy Shannon and Lynsey Eagle, who got engaged just hours after the games.

Shannon, who is almost 50 years old, clearly still has what it takes off the football pitch as well as on it.