MATCH REPORT

WALLIS SAVES PLUMMET! Long Sutton Ladies 1 sts visited league leaders Alford and mindful that the table topping side should not gain points. On the back of a defeat the prior week, Sutton could ill-afford a loss which would see their table position plummeting. Thanks to fine goal finishing, staunch defending, and ace goalkeeping - Sutton stay in touch with the league leaders, and are separated by only four points as the season reaches half way next weekend. Alford famed for their physicality and direct route one hockey, would be a stiff challenge. Arguably a game to spare the young from! but Leah Goodley, Charlene Leuty and Jess Hudson have been there before. However, for our latest academy players, Connie & Emmy Gittins, it would be the first encounter! and sure did they stand firm to the test. Alford started strongly and took an early lead, Tracy Leggett provided the"route one" pass to put their striker clear to punish Sutton. As the half developed Sutton were finding it difficult to combat the long ball passing of Alford, their brutal strength,and at the same time Sutton defensively struggled with the low late autumn Sun that was shinning directly in their faces, making for very difficult vision. Sutton had two great chances in the first half but failed to score, one fell to Leanne Woodead and the other to Lyn Tancred, and both failed to work the Alford keeper. At the other end, the defence of Rachael Gadsden, Tania White, Gemma Parr and Lisa Baker were being tormented, the midfield being by passed by the direct long ball. Sutton goal keeper Lorraine Wallis had to be at her best to keep the deficit down. Alford were edging the game and the short corner count was mounting in their favour. On 25 minutes the attacking power of Alford would be rewarded as they struck and doubled their lead to 2 - 0 from a very well worked goal. Sutton needed more saves from Wallis to keep the half time difference down to two goals. Although on the stroke of half time and from a short corner Gadsden almost did it with a great shot that was met by an equally good save to keep the score 2 nil in Alfords favour. A "friendly" word or two would be required by Captain Leanne Woodhead at half time - and message was delivered. Second half and Sutton looked a believing team and the confidence in each other was quick to see. Five minutes into the second half and Woodhead fed Tancred who provided a fantastic touch to reduce the deficit. Sadly as a kick in the teeth, Alford responded and increased their lead back to two goals, with a fine finish, and this being potentially enough to finish Sutton's fight back. But setback yes, however Sutton would not lie down and wave after wave they stormed forward. Every attack though was being met by equally determined defending, but with Alford reverting to physical type. Jo Bland was wrestled to the ground and soon after Charlee leuty was bundled face down, finally a green card to an Alford player followed. Louise Southgate was dynamic in this phase down the right and well supported by Jo Bland to make in roads. Goodley, Hudson and Leuty menaced through the middle and left, feeding Woodhead and Tancred. However, despite this good spell and as Sutton ladies threw caution to the wind, they would inevitably leave gaps, thankfully Lorraine Wallis in the Sutton goal was in the very best of form, throughout fine saves were followed by very fine saves, and then a breathtaking save to keep Sutton in the game. Alford broke and the striker fired a fierce goal bound shot, in most other games it would be a certain goal, however, Wallis stretched and stretched again, then at full flight she managed to get a keepers stick to ball, and the goal bound effort was denied - stunning agility from Wallis.. Sutton were inspired and the best passages of play developed. Woodhead scored with a very smart finish to bring the scores to 3 - 2. Sutton sensed the opportunity and began to boss the game. After a period of pressure on the Alford goal Sutton were looking the far stronger. Sutton won another short corner with eight minutes to go. Woodhead was determined, and as the second receiver she fired directly and giving the Alford keeper, plus defence, no chance, so to level the scores. Sutton continued the charge and seeking for the winner, they looked the stronger more likely winners, and were again on the attack through Leuty, when the Umpires called time for a fair result. Both sides scored very good goals, and in the end deserved a share of the spoils. Player of the match for Sutton was Lorraine Wallis.