Mattishall 1, Lowestoft Town Reserves 2MATTISHALL lost after a lacklustre display. This was one match they needed to win to keep out of trouble from a possible drop into Division One of the Dolphin Autos Anglian Combination as their opponents too were close to the danger zone.

Mattishall 1, Lowestoft Town Reserves 2

MATTISHALL lost after a lacklustre display. This was one match they needed to win to keep out of trouble from a possible drop into Division One of the Dolphin Autos Anglian Combination as their opponents too were close to the danger zone.

On a surface that was subjected to copious amounts of rain during the week, both teams had to adjust to the slippery conditions. It was very even in the early exchanges but after 14 minutes a harmless ball into the home box went through the hands of the usual reliable keeper George Pledger, falling kindly to a visiting forward for an easy tap-in.

Mattishall rallied after this misfortune, but when their efforts looked to be going in the net, players were there to hook the ball off the line to prevent the equaliser. The score remained the same for the half-time break with a lot to play for in the second period.

Within 15 minutes a very good goal was scored by the Blues with the scorer racing half the pitch to hit home with style.

The usual passion from the home team was slowly dwindling away as they produced a mediocre display second-half. It was difficult to see where a goal was coming from, however in the last 10 minutes Mattishall created enough chances to at least have drawn the match.

Simon Wooden had a glorious chance to get one back as his point-blank header went over the bar, then an identical situation saw Jamie Lovell hit home with four minutes remaining. Too little to late for the home team as another game was lost with 10 games remaining to salvage something from a poor season so far.

With senior football waiting for any potential player in this mid Norfolk club, it seems that players would rather opt for junior football in the area where they normally win by four goals or more every week and think they are good enough for any challenge.

Mattishall would like to offer these players a challenge to play against very good teams in the Premier Division and witness their real potential. So the Gauntlet is down, if players would like to excel, give the club a call and give it a go.

Mattishall are away to bottom club Hindringham, ko 2pm, meet at 12.15.

Mattishall Reserves are also looking for players as they are in a much higher league than most teams in the local area. But again good players in the area would rather languish in minor football to win silverware.

The club are urging players to join them to try and stay in a good standard of football in Division Three of the Anglian Combination.

Leading on from this request it is evident why the club are in a situation as they travelled to one of bottom club's South Walsham and lost 4-2.

Mattishall did go into a lucky 1-0 lead for the half-time break, Dave Cowling netting for the visitors against the run of play as the home team were up for it to try and gain maximum points in this basement battle.

The second half saw all the action as the hosts had the majority of play and took a commanding lead. Mark Dawkins hit Mattishall's second but that was not enough to get anything from this encounter. Another poor effort from players knowing that as the season gets nearer its end, it is crucial to get points on the board.

Mattishall Reserves home to CEYMS, ko 2pm, meet at 1.