Mattishall 0, Attleborough 2Mattishall were dealt a blow before kick-off in this Norfolk Senior Cup second-round tie when Rob Connolly's ankle injury had not healed enough for him to be considered for the starting line-up in this clash of Anglian Combination division One sides.

Mattishall 0, Attleborough 2

Mattishall were dealt a blow before kick-off in this Norfolk Senior Cup second-round tie when Rob Connolly's ankle injury had not healed enough for him to be considered for the starting line-up in this clash of Anglian Combination Division One sides.

With Mattishall now out of both cup competitions they can concentrate on their No 1 priority, to gain promotion back to the Premier Division.

B they will need to improve on this performance and also take some of the chances they create. In football terms this was just one of those days.

Mattishall started brightly in the opening minutes and the first good opportunity fell to Danny Connelley. A defence-splitting pass by Harbour created the space for Connelley whose first effort was saved by keeper Wells, and when he got up to slide the ball into an empty net he slipped on the greasy surface and the ball was cleared.

Mattishall had to re-organise when Higgins had to leave the field for a head injury, and during this period the visitors took the lead when full back Sutherland, under no pressure, was robbed and a pin-point cross found Greenwood at the far post where he headed home.

Mattishall's response was immediate, and following a pin-point cross by Baldry an unmarked Harbour should have done better with a header.

Mattishall became very ragged and were guilty of giving away possession far too easily as the visitors grew in confidence.

As half-time approached it was obvious that Mattishall's frustration was getting the better of them and apart from the opening few minutes this was by far the worst performance of the youngseason, one which manager Gareth Tipple needed to sort out.

The second half started with Mattishall looking to get on level terms, but Boro scored within five minutes of the restart when, from no apparent danger, Cunningham stole the ball and lobbed the stranded keeper Mottram to put Boro 2-0 up.

Benny MaCann replaced Sutherland as Mattishall went three at the back and threw caution to the wind.

They pressed forward and created numerous chances, with the majority falling to skipper Hewitt. However it was the visitors who nearly increased their lead when an effort flew back off the keeper's left-hand post.

With 15 minutes remaining Banham was introduced for the injured Higgins as Mattishall played with five forwards and two at the back.

Mattishall continued to attack and create chances but a goal eluded everybody as the visitors defended in numbers and got bodies in the way with keeper Wells making a fine save from Hewitt.

The final chance fell to substitute Banham who blazed over when well placed in the six-yard box. This proved to be the last chance despite a number of corners.