Loddon Utd 2 v 3 Mundford Sat 30th August 2025 2.15pm ko
Scorers: og, Charlie.
Assists: Webbo, El
Loddon: Richie Durrant; Bailey Hill, Jack Tipple, Charlie Halifax, Tom Green;
Elliott Hannant (c), Matthew Webster; Tom Sergeant; Hayden Ingram, Marcus Dunthorne-McInerney, Harvey Johnson.
Subs: Robin Andersen. Dale Cockrill (unused)
Manager: Jake Sharpe Assts: Paul Reader, Andrew Zagdan

Another game where we’re leading at half time and lose. Management squad were not happy. The late arrival of our talisman Rob who missed kick off because… you’re not going to believe this… his train was late! I know, you couldn’t make it up. But at least it made me smile. The plus side of that was that young Tom Green started at right back and what a prospect he is.

We started well putting Mundford on the back foot. Harvey put in a great cross from the left for Marco to head just wide. Marco then shot from the edge of the box to force a save. On 7 minutes we were rewarded. A couple of corners caused panic and eventually Webbo turned to knock the ball goalwards, the ball clipped a defender which deflected it over the keeper and into the net to put us ahead. 1 – 0
Mundford responded but a great block by Tipps, defending by Webbo and Tom G kept them out. Tom G then supported his attack forcing a save after good work from Harv and Marco. Bailey then covered the next counter and Loddon ‘Vet’, Richie Durrant (life in the old dog yet – vet, geddit?) claimed a couple of crosses. It did take him a while to get up off the floor.
We continued to dominate; Charlie even pushing into midfield to set up Marco for a shot which the visiting keeper saved. Tipps chucked in a decent long throw. The keeper punched, the ball dropped to Harv but he couldn’t find the target. A Tipps long ball forced Bailey into overlap mode but his cross only found the keeper. A super through ball by El gave Harv a chance but the keeper just got there first. Harv and Serg combined but Serg toed wide as half time loomed, but that second crucial goal remained elusive. A Serg flick on put Marco away but Hayden was unable to capitalise when the pass came to him. Tom G covered Charlie after a rare stray pass before Tom then raced forward to cross only for the keeper to claim above Harv’s head. A Marco volley appeared to hit a Mundford hand but from close proximity, home claims were weak. Our wall defended a 30 yard opposition free kick, a Marco drive earned a corner from which he volleyed just over and half time arrived with only the single goal to show for our total dominance. HT
The keeper smothered at Hayden’s feet, a blatant foul on Serg was missed and Marco had another shot just find the keeper. But Mundford had probably enjoyed some hairdryer treatment at half time as they were far more competitive. An over elaborate fall won a free kick for Mundford just outside our box. The kick hit our wall and the loose ball fired home giving Richie no chance after 50 mins. 1 – 1
The sucker punch I think we were all expecting after the number of chances we had squandered.
3 minutes later we were questionably flagged off side. From the free kick Mundford attacked down their right, got past Tom G for the first time, crossed and the striker got in front of Richie to head home. 1 – 2
They were buzzing but we were not done yet. Two minutes later El fired in a corner. It missed out Tipps but Charlie was there to volley home. 2 – 2
It was time for Rob to make his appearance and replace the excellent Tom G at left back. Harv also made way. El swung in a free kick, Rob called too late as Charlie was already attacking the ball…but put it in the garden and so more action for Milo.
On 63 minutes, a poor pass from Serg was harshly punished as we lost possession and quick action from Mundford ended with a diagonal shot which beat Richie with pace and accuracy. 2 – 3
We failed to raise our game in response; passes went astray and our long balls were easily defended. Mundford could see us struggle and that gave them extra energy to close and hassle and the most movement in a Loddon shirt came from Milo’s ball retrieving, although one wild shot hit a windowsill and actually landed back on the pitch. Why am I even mentioning that? Well, it’s never happened before…bit like us trying to win a game before October!
Marco went close to getting near a Serg cross, Bailey’s back pass to Richie could have been punished and we were unable to take advantage of several added minutes.
A really dominant first 45 minutes but poor second half leaves us bottom after three games.

Norfolk Senior Cup next week at Norwich Utd 2.30ko – nice easy one!!

Thanks to match sponsors Ado Battisson and Barry Edwards. Shame about the result but nice to enjoy your company after the game.
Thanks too to match ball sponsor Midas Displays

Date for your diaries…Casino Night on Oct 11th. Tickets £15 each
Let me know how many tickets you want asap please. It’s always a great night

If anyone fancies doing a match report please let me know. I’m getting tired! - JC