Spixworth United notes

Mummery Cup 2nd round: Spixworth United 0 Mattishall1

October has proved to be a month of 'highs and lows' for Spixworth. 'Highs' early in the month were a creditable home draw against Blofield United which was followed by an emphatic Norfolk Senior cup victory over Ridgeons league Thetford Town. Successive away league defeats followed and with them injury to key players, one player leaving the club, and a general loss of form and confidence throughout. All this illustrates how quickly fortunes can change in football. At home to Mattishall on Saturday the above factors were there for all to see as the visitors comfortably won 1 -0, thus ending Spixworths interest in this seasons Mummery Cup!

Had Spixworth made more of their determined opening to Saturdays game we would have witnessed a very different outcome. In the opening minute a cross cum shot deceived the visitors keeper but narrowly missed the target. After just four minutes Mark Pitcher sent a free shot wide of an upright when it appeared easier to score. Unfortunately, Glen Pitchers (Marks father) constructive comments about the miss cannot be printed. Minutes later an inviting driven cross from the right eluded everyone in the six yard area when a goal appeared the only outcome. With debutant Ben Bridges displaying confidence in possession and good distribution, Spixworth dominated the opening twenty minutes. However, as with previous games when an early goal was not forthcoming, our general play became tense. Encouraged by our failure to capitalise on the territorial advantage, Mattishall clawed their way back into proceedings serving notice of their attacking skills. Keeper Ross Bilham had to save well after twenty minutes and repeat the feat shortly afterwards. For the remainder of the half Mattishall dictated play. Spixworth struggled to regain their rhythm, the earlier flow to their game completely disappearing. Yet despite being fortunate to reach half time on level terms, Spixworth could and perhaps should have scored in first half stoppage time. Damian Didwell, sent clear of Mattishalls defence, could only shoot straight at the keeper with the goal at his mercy!

With home supporters looking for a marked second half improvement Mattishall were quick to seize the initiative penning Spixworth back. Ross Bilham was called into early action saving well five minutes into the half. This constant Mattishall pressure paid off after fifty five minutes when they took the lead. Immediate changes were made with Duncan Whitlam replacing the ineffective Ramsay Gashut, although to be fair, Ramsay was playing out of position. Despite the change Mattishall continued to control play, Spixworth being reduced to the occasional counter attack. Josh Barzey and Theo Chamberlain were introduced with fifteen minutes remaining but with two team members restricted with injury, Spixworth never looked like grabbing an equaliser.

Good luck to Mattishall in the next round, on Saturday, enjoying the wide open spaces of our park, they appeared an accomplished side.

We have to regain confidence and form quickly. On paper the month of November appears difficult with successive away league games at Loddon and Acle before our Senior cup tie at Kings Lynn. We complete the month with a home fixture against current league leaders Beccles.

John Keymer