As we prepare for what promises to be another tough weekend fixture against Godalming Town, the club sat down with Mullet’s manager Craig Stuart to talk through what was a gruelling bank holiday weekend of mixed emotions, which saw Jekyll and Hide performances against Dorking Wanderers (8-3 defeat) and Infinity FC (1-0 victory).
“We were not at the races against Dorking, and first and foremost I would like to apologise to the supporters who travelled. It was a really bad day at the office for everyone – not just the players, but myself included. We win and lose as a team.”
“We had a couple of key senior players missing in Maciek and Hump – and then losing Harry after 20 minutes gave us an uphill task, and for whatever reason things just did not go our way.”
“We were well in the game at half-time (3-2), but the second half performance was completely unacceptable, and as a collective that is not something we are going to let happen to us again.”
The Mullets responded to last Saturday’s disappointments in style, with a workman like performance against the much-touted Infinity FC.
A dramatic 1-0 victory, courtesy of an Ollie Humphries strike provided one of the highlights of the season for the healthy travelling Mullets supporters who made the journey down the coast.
“Against Infinity the lads were immense.”
“There was a real possibility that Saturday could have taken a lot from the lads in terms of confidence, and with only 48 hours to recover, we were up against it.”
“We showed how good of a team we are with and without the ball. We matched Infinity in terms of physicality, and managed the game well to see out three valuable points on the road.”
“These are the types of performances that teams who go on to have success can grind out. It was not always pretty, but the lads showed how gritty we can be. It was a real manly performance. As a management team we were delighted.”
Monday saw the return to the starting eleven of Tijan Sparks, who played in the unfamiliar position of centre half – as opposed to his usual full throttle role in the centre of midfield.
Although picking up a yellow card for a robust challenge, the commanding midfielder put in an assured performance in his new position, which has given the manager food for thought.
“Tijan was asked to play a centre half, and was immense. He won every header and second ball against what was a really physical side.”
“What was great to see is that he stuck to his task, showed discipline, and helped lead the team through some tricky points in the game where we had to really stand up and be counted.”
“He is a massive character on and off the pitch, and we are delighted to have him back.”
This weekend see’s the visit of play-off hopefuls Godalming Town to Mill Road.
Mo Sher’s men are undefeated so far this campaign, and are guaranteed to provide a stern test to The Mullets.
“Godalming are a good side and have had a decent start to the season.”
“Although they have not scored many goals (six), they have also only conceded three, and will rightly expect to be right up there come the end of the season.”
“It was not too many years ago that they were competing two leagues higher at Step 4, and are a big club at this level of football.”
“They are a well organised side who are physical and assured on the ball. We will need to be at our best tomorrow to be successful – and we intend to be”
Come and see if The Mullets can build on Bank Holiday Monday’s victory against Infinity:
Godalming Town, 3PM KO, Mill Road. Adults £7, Concessions £5, Under 16’s Free.