MATCH REPORT

Once again this Derby game had lots of controversial talking points but unlike past years it wasn't between the players. Both teams started brightly giving the supporters some end to end action. Wisbech took the lead through a great individual goal. This spurred Sutton on and they deservedly equalised through their excellent man of the match Gary Hales. Sutton started the second half with real intent, spraying the ball around with pace and precision. Then 5 minutes into the second half came the incident that turned the match. A controversial decision from the umpire led to Sutton's keeper being sent off for dissent. Sutton were then told they couldn't kit up another keeper and they had to get on with the game immediately. Sutton tried to dispute this but in vain and had to restart without a keeper. Fyson made an excellent stop on the line from the short corner but the resulting rebound struck Shore on the leg and a penalty stroke was given. Fyson put on a face mask and flung himself right but couldn't prevent a good stroke. Sutton then showed their spirit and played some of their best hockey this season. Unfortunately Wisbech got to the D and again brave Shore threw himself in front of the open goal only to see the ball strike him on the leg again. He took the face mask this time but couldn't prevent the penalty stroke going. 3-1. Sutton's keeper was finally restored and the last 15 minutes were enthralling despite some hotly contested umpiring decisions. Hales scored his second through a great ball by Whatling and Sutton were now rampant. Wisbech were chasing the ball all over the pitch as Sutton powered into their half. Again Sutton responded with some excellent hockey and felt they were unfortunate not to get a stroke of their own after Danny Sisson deflected short corner appeared to strike a Wisbech player as it was going into the goal. Sutton pushed on and Sisson got another beautiful deflection and this one went into the goal! Against the run of play another contested decision gave Wisbech their third penalty stroke which they put away.  Sutton's spirit and teamwork were outstanding in a fantastic derby game but it was spoilt by some erratic umpiring and Wisbech, going home with the spoils, will know they were fortunate to do so.

Report by Jimmy Harrison.