Mulbarton unlucky to lose to Hockering

Mulbarton Belles Ladies 2, Hockering 3

Knowing every game this season will be tough and a challenge Mulbarton seemed ready to put last week’s defeat away at Hethersett firmly behind them.

Mulbarton didn’t appear to get out of second gear throughout the first half, a ‘sloppy’ mistake from the midfield and defence allowed Hockering to get their opening goal.

Mulbarton did start to settle after this goal and on the break at times looked threatening, unfortunately too many scoring opportunities passed Mulbarton by and in this league there is no cushion to fall back onto.

Luckily it wasn’t long until Ashley Ward made a clever run behind the Hockering defence to receive a throw in, passed the ball neatly across the goal for Sophie Grosse to finish, 1-1.

After the goal went in Mulbarton looked like the better side especially in terms of attack with neat passing out of the defence to the midfield and up to the forwards. Half time score 1-1.

Pointers were given at half time about positions that were lacking performance; when the second half did restart for the first 20 minutes. Mulbarton looked much better, the midfield were pressing and the defence were winning their balls in the in air.

Disappointingly this did not last the whole of the second half and during defensive play, right across the pitch Mulbarton were punished for being ‘off the pace’ and it wasn’t long until Hockering scored their second goal to make the score 2-1.

Mulbarton were not short of shooting opportunities and for most of the game did test the Hockering defence and keeper, this did eventually lead to a well finished goal for Nicky Hazell, 2-2.

Very much against the run of play Hockering broke and scored what turned out to be the winning goal for a 3-2 victory.

A disappointing end to a game that had Mulbarton’s name written all over it.

Sunday off next week and Mulbarton go again stronger on the 30th September.