Introduction

On a gloomy Saturday afternoon, Arundel FC hosted Mile Oak in the return fixture after a tightly contested 2–2 draw away from home. With the pitch only just passing an early inspection due to heavy rainfall on Thursday and Friday, both sides knew they were in for a challenging encounter. The conditions contributed to an unpredictable, entertaining match full of drama, determination, and moments of quality football.

Pitch Conditions

The heavy rain in the days leading up to the match left the surface soft and difficult, with several heavy patches and the occasional awkward bounce adding an extra layer of complexity for both teams. The slippery turf resulted in frequent slips and made ball control a constant challenge, ensuring that every move was contested and every goal hard-earned.

First Half: Arundel’s Attacking Flair

Arundel made a bright start, showing real energy and intelligence with their passing moves. Their forwards, Harry Russell and Sam Pearson, continued their impressive partnership, capitalising on good deliveries from the wide areas.
The breakthrough came on 25 minutes when Russell finished off a fine cross from Steve Herbert, putting Arundel ahead. As the first half progressed, Arundel’s attacking momentum continued. Goalkeeper Maciek Kason made an outstanding save in the 38th minute, preserving the lead and denying Mile Oak an equaliser.
Just five minutes later, Sam Pearson was quick to react to a Mile Oak goalkeeping error, doubling Arundel’s advantage on 40 minutes. Then, in first-half injury time, Harry Russell delivered a clinical strike from 18 yards, ensuring Arundel entered the interval with a commanding 3–0 lead.

Second Half: Mile Oak Fight Back

The second half began with Arundel showing signs of complacency, and they were immediately put under pressure by Mile Oak. Kason produced another fine save straight after the restart but was finally beaten in the 48th minute when Mile Oak pulled a goal back from close range.
Buoyed by their breakthrough, Mile Oak pressed forward and further reduced the deficit to 3–2 with a goal from a corner in the 68th minute. The game became increasingly physical, with both sides contesting fiercely for every ball as Arundel worked tirelessly to protect their slender lead.

Late Drama Seals the Victory

As the match entered stoppage time, substitute Cal Stobart nearly put the game beyond doubt in the 92nd minute, but his shot struck the post with the Mile Oak keeper beaten. The tension was intense as Mile Oak pushed for an equaliser, only for Kason to make another crucial save in the 94th minute.
With Mile Oak committing players forward, Arundel finally sealed the win in the 96th minute. Sam Pearson rose highest to head home from six yards, ensuring a 4–2 victory for the Mullets and sparking celebrations amongst the home supporters.

Disciplinary Notes

The intensity of the contest was reflected in the referee’s notebook, with Arundel’s Levi Martin and Harrison Mott both picking up yellow cards, along with a couple of cautions for Mile Oak players.

Conclusion

This was a memorable victory for Arundel FC on a heavy pitch, showcasing their attacking prowess in the first half and their defensive grit in the second. Standout performances from Harry Russell, Sam Pearson, and goalkeeper Maciek Kason were central to the result. The Mullets will take great confidence from this performance as they look ahead to their next challenge.

Full-time: Arundel FC 4–2 Mile Oak

Next up for THE MULLETS

Arundel v AFC Walcountians (Saturday 22nd November) (SCFL Division 1 Quarter Final)