MUNDFORD turned in a surprisingly flat performance as they struggled to a 1-1 draw at home to Thorpe Village.In a game that won't live long in the memory, the Stags were forced into a number of changes with the unavailability of Goodrham, Sirrell, Ollie Fulcher, Jonny Pereira, Barnes and Nicky Quantrill amongst others, and gave welcome first team squad debuts to Bird and Tom Catchpole after consistent high performances for the reserves.

MUNDFORD turned in a surprisingly flat performance as they struggled to a 1-1 draw at home to Thorpe Village.

In a game that won't live long in the memory, the Stags were forced into a number of changes with the unavailability of Goodrham, Sirrell, Ollie Fulcher, Jonny Pereira, Barnes and Nicky Quantrill amongst others.

Welcome first-team squad debuts were given to Bird and Tom Catchpole after consistent high performances for the reserves.

They also replaced one Dan up front with another, as Barnes' shoes were filled by new recruit Dan Martin, who turned in an encouraging 60-minute display.

Mundford struggled to get going as the well-drilled Thorpe side gave them little time, but produced the only real chances in the first quarter as Wisbey and Hawkins were both thwarted by the keeper.

It was to be his last real action though, as an arm injury meant he had to be replaced in goal by an outfield player.

The Stags were unlucky not to go ahead shortly after, when a

goal-bound shot was deflected into the path of new signing Martin by the centre back, but his cool finish was ruled out for offside.

Mundford were then gifted a golden opportunity, as a push in the box from Smith's long throw was penalised, but Wisbey's spot-kick was smothered by the stand-in keeper.

The second half was more even with neither team looking likely to overcome some stubborn defending.

But with just five minutes left one moment of quality looked to have won the spoils for Mundford.

Sixteen-year-old substitute Aaron Burt strode forward down the left, cutting past two defenders before feeding Craig Burton.

The teenage hit man, who had led the line admirably all game, took a touch before slotting a cool finish in the corner.

That should have been that, but deep into injury time Mundford conceded their first goal in four league games as Thorpe scored a deserved equaliser, their bustling centre forward, who had been marshalled tightly all game by Ramage and Fendley, finding space to get on the end of a through ball to slot home in a replica of Burton's finish, and spoil what up until then

had been another solid defensive performance by the back five.

So Mundford's run of ten wins on the bounce comes to an end but, to be fair, the performance didn't merit them gaining all three points.

A flat performance was going to happen at some point, but it has been three or four weeks since Mundford really shone, despite the winning run.

Although it wasn't a defeat, as manager Brassett rightly pointed out it felt like one - and the mark of a good side is how they bounce back.

Mundford have a chance to prove it next Saturday as they face what is likely to be a very strong Hempnall side at The Glebe (2.30pm kick-off), who like Thorpe will still harbour promotion thoughts themselves and The Stags need to react accordingly.