MATCH REPORT

GOOD TO BE BACK AFTER THE PROLONGED FESTIVE BREAK! Long Sutton Ladies 1st team were pleased to get a game after the lengthy mid winter layoff. Good to be back, although not surprisingly a little disconnected after the long break . And compounded by this under floodlights fixture, played with a later push-back than is normal, and against a very plucky Peterborough team that typically do well on their home pitch. It continues to be tight at the top with few points separating the top six in this East NW 2 league. Sutton Ladies started well and threatened more than their opponents during the first ten minutes. Reward came on eleven minutes following a Louise Southgate quickly taken line ball, then with Southgate striking a perfect weighted pass to open up the Peterborough defence, finding Leanne Woodhead who smartly laid the ball on to Lyn Tancred who made no mistake with a crisp strike to goal for initiative Sutton. Sutton continued to work the ball well and created further chances before Peterborough found their place in the game. Sutton soon lost possession in midfield and too easily when a pass would have done better, and from the swift resulting attack Peterborough drew level. The game continued at a fast pace and Peterborough continued to edge the midfield, breaking well with pace and intent, winning more short corners than Long Sutton, although the home sides efforts were thwarted by a staunch defensive line of Lisa Baker, Tania White and Rachael Gadsden with Gemma Parr playing central and more forward at the head of defence. When the defensive line was broken by Peterborough, then Lorraine Wallis was on hand as ever with a string of fine saves. The half finished 1-1 and the second half served up more of the same but with the Peterborough goalkeeper being tested and standing up well to efforts from Woodhead and Tancred with the former having a particularly well struck effort from a short corner well saved to keep the scores level. Sutton looked the more likely and 10 minutes into the second half they took the lead again. Goodley won possession well and passed the ball to Woodhead who forced the ball to Tancred to slot the ball home for advantage Sutton. The exchanges started to swing again to Peterborough's favour and Wallis had to concentrate to keep Sutton's lead intact and Gadsden and White made notable interceptions to protect the lead. However, with a degree of inevitability Peterborough would strike again. With just less than 12 minutes remaining Peterborough added to their mounting short corner tally and as the ball was switched back to the left the ball was hammered home giving keeper Wallis no chance and bringing Peterborough level again at 2-2. Sutton ladies worked hard to recover the lead but despite finishing on the front foot the visitors had to settle for a hard fought for point against a good and determined Peterborough side. Candidates for player of the match were Wallis who had a great game in the Sutton goal, or it might well have been White who was outstanding at the back, Woodhead showed the touches of a first class striker and Tancred bagged the two goals against her old club. But this weeks player of the match was rightly awarded to Louise Southgate who worked tirelessly, moving the ball efficiently and accurately throughout. Next Saturday Sutton Ladies 1st team entertain Royston at the Peele center and will be looking to return to winning ways.