MATCH REPORT

WOODHEAD SERVES AN ACE TO GET SUTTON BACK TO WINNING WAYS! Captain Leanne Woodhead fired an unstoppable rocket of a shot! to put Long Sutton Ladies 1sts on course against Bourne & Deeping. Woodhead's strike was then neatly followed up by two smart goals in both halves, scored by in form striker Lyn Tancred - to ensure victory, and a very important three points as the 2016/17 season reached half way. Both sides had even early exchanges but with Bourne & Deeping winning a succession of short corners but that came to nothing. It took 17 minutes before Sutton won their first short corner of the game. From this short corner Leah Goodley went close. Soon after, Sutton won a free kick which Jess Hudson took quickly, and then moving the ball smartly to Charlee Leuty, who made good ground, before passing to Lyn Tancerd who nicely found Leanne Woodhead, and with Woodhead in no mood for pause or hesitation! firing in an absolutely stunning shot which left the visiting keeper motionless, great goal to set Sutton on their way. Soon after, Woodhead went close again when she flicked and flirted with the ball, but the smartness failed to out-wit the Bourne & Deeping keeper who foiled Woodheads effort. With ten minutes of the first half remaining Tancred increased the home sides lead, converting well from a very nice passage of play. Connie Gittins menaced the Bourne and Deeping defence over the remainder of the half and as Sutton searched for the extra trimmings, but the score remained two nil at half time. Bourne & Deeping game out fired up for the second half, and Lorraine Wallis in the Sutton goal was soon called upon to make a fine save. The strong defensive partnerships of Lisa Baker, Gemma Parr, Tania White and Rachael Gadsden were also being worked hard. Bourne & Deeping having fast forwards who clearly thrive on the breakaway, and as in the first half the early part of the second half caused much concern for Long Sutton, who knew that given any chance and with only a two goal advantage, that Bourne & Deeping would be right back in the game, if they could get a breakthrough. The staunch defence though and in form Wallis stood resilient. In terms of making the game safe! Woodhead and Tancred had further chances and Jo Bland went very close, Hudson had two great strikes well saved by the Bourne & Deeping goal keeper and one further effort cleared from the line. And in a very dominant spell Leuty and Goodley were very unlucky from fine attempts on goal, but which bought great saves from the visitors keeper. In the end it took a great goal-bound shot from Louise Southgate to be touched in by Tancred, which provided Sutton a well deserved three goal cushion, and thus encouraging a well deserved clean sheet and valuable three points, which at the seasons half way stage, keeps Sutton on course at the top end of the table. Player of the match for Sutton Ladies 1sts - had to be the ever energetic and enterprising Leah Goodley. Sutton Ladies 1 sts are at home again next Saturday at 13.00 hrs, and will be looking to correct a one nil defeat in the opening game of the season against Wisbech Ladies two's.