Reserves edge out local rivals

Richmond, Cullum, Donovan, Bridges, Farrow, Paice, Clarke, Payne-Wilkins, Brown, Bailey.

Sub: Hyde

Mulbarton traveled to Cringleford, due to the common being waterlogged, and came away with 3 important points in a tight game against local rivals Hethersett.

With manager Darren Carter absent, his younger yet uglier brother Kristian took charge of the squad.

With a much-changed team from Tuesday's disappointing cup defeat, Wanderers started well and found gaps in the visitors defence several times.

It took a set piece masterclass from Brown to give Mulbarton the lead.

Due to Donovan's recent poor goalscoring record from corners, Brown decided to shoot from them.

At the second attempt, the well hit corner was flying into the back of the net until Paice (or a defender) helped it on its way to give Mulbarton the lead.

One soon became two as Bailey exploited the Hethersett defence to slot home when through one on one.

A small lapse in concentration gave Hethersett hope as they fired one home from 30 yards but Mulbarton soon made it 3 as Brown picked up the ball in midfield and sent Bailey through again.

For some reason the goalkeeper wasn't even standing in his goal but Bailey did well to finish it all the same.

Half time - Mulbarton 3 v 1 Hethersett.

Despite an inspirational team talk from Carter at the break, Mulbarton started the second half poorly and conceded early on.

However, they hit back creating chance after chance but just couldn't find the back of the net.

Donovan and Bridges kept the defence tight with Cullum having one of the best games he has had this season.

Hyde came on for the last 20 to tighten the defence even more as Hethersett went all out attack to grab an equiliser.

It wasn't to be though for the visitors and the final whistle came to Mulbarton's relief.

Final score : Mulbarton 3 v 2 Hethersett.

A few good individual performances in my opinion but the two outstanding players were Cullum and Payne-Wilkins.

Cullum seems to have notched it up a gear in recent weeks and Payne-Wilkins is a constant threat everytime he gets the ball. Even though he tends to drag every shot he has wide of the goal.

Man of the Match however was Kristian Carter.

No idea why but he told me to give it to him last night whilst in Rocco's.

Now time for the big one. Wednesday night, Aldiss Park, Cup Final against West End.

I say no more.