Mattishall 1, Cromer Town 1MATTISHALL recorded a sound point in a very entertaining 1-1 draw as they battle for Dolphin Autos Anglian Combination Premier Division survival.

Mattishall 1, Cromer Town 1

MATTISHALL recorded a sound point in a very entertaining 1-1 draw as they battle for Dolphin Autos Anglian Combination Premier Division survival.

The club was delighted to see two new signings who had taken up its challenge to tackle senior football. They both had sound games, as the Crabs are by no means an easy touch. Mattishall would still be interested in any other players with senior football capabilities to join them and play in very competitive matches.

The club would still welcome any person who, with the right potential, could take the helm as first team as manager, to guide them in their remaining matches this season and lead them in the right direction next campaign.

Saturday's match kicked off in very good conditions with the home team starting very brightly. Mattishall had the better chances in the opening stages and could have gone into an early lead if shots had been on target. After 20 minutes, the visitors started to get into their stride and put pressure on the home defence. Mattishall held firm until the last three minutes, when a needless corner was given away and from the resultant kick, the visitors scored.

The second half saw Mattishall hit back hard, only to see their efforts hit the woodwork or sail over the bar. With 20 minutes remaining they equalised as new signing Ryan Hardy shot from a good 20 yards to see the ball thunder into the net. The same player came close to adding another in the next five minutes, but just missed.

Cromer rallied in the final minutes, going close on a couple of occasions. However, a draw was a fair result.

Another new signing, Jason Knights, also impressed the management team on his debut. However, the manager's player of the match was Phil Gagen, who worked his socks off all through the game.

Mattishall visit Lowestoft Town Reserves on Saturday, ko 2.30pm, meet 12.45.

Mattishall Reserves travelled to Martham. They have a good record against this team, but on this occasion things went from bad to worse as the day progressed.

An injury to the keeper during the warm-up spell was followed by a thrashing as they totally lost their composure in an 8-0 defeat.

This must be one of their worst reverses for a very long time, especially when all members of the squad are back-ups for their first team colleagues in senior football. At 3-0 down at half-time there seemed to be no team effort in Matishall's ranks.

The second half was worse as Martham scored with ease. Things need to change quickly if safety in this division is to be secured.

With defeats almost every week, it is now a very tough task, which is why the club is appealing for good players to leave the luxury of their respective lower league status and take on the role of playing in a much more competitive league. Next, home to Hempnall Reserves ko 2.30pm, meet 1.30.

Mattishall YCOB's match against Norman Wanderers was postponed due to the unavailability of players. Next, away to Rosary Rams, ko 10.30am, meet 9.15.