MATCH REPORT

With the weather forecasters suggesting rain towards the end of this game, Long Sutton welcomed the unbeaten Peterborough team to #fortresspeele looking to kick up an early storm. With two wins out of two Peterborough arrived with a very well drilled squad of 15 players and with Long Sutton determined to keep their winning run going the stage was set for a good game of hockey. Right from the first whistle both teams played attractive, flowing hockey. The younger Peterborough team were extremely fluid with their movement but despite this the Sutton defence of Lisa Baker, Tania White, Jo Bland, Gemma Parr and the ever vocal keeper Lorraine Wallis were working had and keeping them at bay. As the first half progressed Sutton became the dominant team particularly with the central midfield duo of Charlie Leuty and Leah Goodley probing and supporting. Bland at right back began to lose the shackles and moved forward to support and along with Jess Hudson on the right Sutton were beginning to cause problems. Numerous excursions into the D were met by the Peterborough keeper's pads; however Sutton continued to create opportunities. Skipper Leanne Woodhead making that lead run to the right hand by-line but her cross was too hard for fellow striker Lyn Tancred to connect at the back post. Whilst Peterborough always looked dangerous on the break the Long Sutton team kept shape and discipline and got bodies behind the ball with newcomer Connie Gittins again working overtime on the left of midfield. With the pace of the game being very quick Sutton had the luxury of calling on 2 substitutes today in Rachael Gadsden and Louise Southgate to keep the energy levels up and make this a real 13 woman squad game. With the half time whistle the game was poised at 0-0, Long Sutton were unlucky not to be ahead with the chances they had created but it should be said that Peterborough had worked the home team hard in terms of energy levels and I guess they were looking to pounce in the second half to give them the advantage. As the second half progressed it soon became clear that Long Sutton were on their A game today. With energy levels still high they continued to create chances and penetrating the oppositions D, however Peterborough keeper Charlie Exton was still using those pads to good effect that was until a break started at the back by Lisa Baker moved Long Sutton into scoring position. The ball found its way to skipper Woodhead at the top of the D on the right hand side and she unleashed her trademark slap with was diverted by fellow striker Tancred beyond the keeper to give Sutton a deserved lead. Now was going to be the time for Long Sutton to continue to press and not let them come back. Within 5 minutes the lead was doubled as the ball was beautifully dispatched past the keeper's right leg by Charlie Leuty. A crisp hard shot from the right had side of the D which needed to travel a fair distance, but was hit with much venom it nestled in the bottom corner. 0-2 down Peterborough threw everything they had at Sutton, but the resilience of the Green Army was proving strong. Although w3ith 15 minutes left Peterborough worked an opening in the D and with Sutton unable to clear this time Peterborough halved the deficit. The question now was would Sutton try and hold on. Well the next few minutes proved the answer was no. Another incisive move down the left flank and the ball winged its way to the far post and there was Jess Hudson waiting to tap the ball over the line for a 3-1 lead. The hard work and stamina levels of the Sutton ladies were exemplary against this very well drilled opponent and Sutton continued to press forward. However, with time running out Peterborough went for a last effort and again they worked the ball to ex Sutton player Jeorgia Carr who managed to lever the ball over the dive of home keeper Wallis to again reduce the deficit. With literally minutes left an onslaught was expected, but in truth it didn't really happen. Long Sutton continued as the they had started the game and claimed a very very good win against a strong team. Long Sutton will go a long way this season with efforts and game plans like that. They fully deserved the win and now sit 3rd in the table although it's early days. Next week they travel to Royston for a 1pm pushback looking to continue this winning culture.