Mattishall 2 Spixworth United 3Successive away victories have resulted in Spixworth moving comfortably away from the threat of relegation. Premier league survival was ensured last Tuesday evening with an emphatic 4-1 victory at Watton.

Mattishall 2 Spixworth United 3

Successive away victories have resulted in Spixworth moving comfortably away from the threat of relegation. Premier league survival was ensured last Tuesday evening with an emphatic 4-1 victory at Watton. A well taken hat-trick from man of the match Andy Hayton set Spixworth on the road to victory in this important game.

Confidence and the 'feel good' factor carried over to Saturdays difficult fixture at Norfolk Senior Cup holders Mattishall, where another three points were gained in a 3-2 victory.

Continuing from where they had left off on Tuesday evening, Spixworth played with determination from the first whistle. It came as no surprise when they opened the scoring courtesy of a cracking strike from Stu Brunton. A wayward goal kick by the home keeper fell invitingly at Stu's feet, unhesitatingly he lashed the ball from fully 40 yards straight back into an unguarded net!

Now enjoying the lions share of play Spixworth went further ahead through Damian Didwell shortly before the break. The two goal cushion was reduced almost immediately however, when against the run of play, Mattishall took advantage of a poorly taken Spixworth free-kick to make the half time score 2-1.

Mattishall began the second period with great determination, continually testing the Spixworth defence with high ball tactics. Our defence, well marshalled by Ben Gowing, coped admirably. After weathering the early storm Spixworth again took the game to their hosts being rewarded midway through the half when Ramsay Gashut headed our third from a Luke Humphries corner.

Spixworth continued to attack with menace, Damian Didwell and Andy Hayton proving a constant threat, both having opportunities to further increase the lead. Entering the later stages Mattishall reduced the arrears from the penalty spot. Encouraged, they pushed for an equaliser, which they had a great opportunity to achieve five minutes from time when they were awarded another spot kick, a result of which saw James Richardson red carded. Fortunately for Spixworth the spot kick was despatched narrowly wide, allowing ten man Spixworrth to see out time for a very good three points.

On reflection if we had come away with just a share of the spoils it would have felt an injustice because this was a very good team performance from Spixworth who in the last few weeks have been playing very well. On Saturday, Stu Brunton and Luke Humphries combined well in centre midfield, while the defence were resolute all afternoon but the forward play of Damian Didwell and Andy Hayton was exceptional throughout providing the foundations for victory.

John Keymer