MATCH REPORT

A lovely spring day and Long Sutton welcomed the University to Peele School. Fresh from a great result at St Neots last week Sutton were looking to continue their momentum towards the top of the league table. Cambridge University were looking to get out of the bottom position and had surprised Long Sutton earlier in the season to gain a vital point in their relegation fight. The game got underway and Long Sutton were immediately on the front foot taking the game to the visitors. A period of concerted pressure had begun and within 2 minutes the home side got their first short corner, which was very well defended by the University. Pressure continued and 3 or 4 further short corners were won through clever play, but unfortunately Sutton were not able to capitalise fully. There were some forays into the Long Sutton half but the defence of Jo Bland, Gemma Parr, Lisa Baker, Tania White with the admirable Lorraine Wallis behind them were dealing expertly with the breaks. Wallis was called upon once or twice to use her kicking abilities to eradicate the danger and the home side looked solid. As the first half progressed the Sutton midfield of Louise Southgate, Leah Goodley, Charlie Leuty and Emmie Gittings were beginning to take control with the front strikers of skipper Leanne Woodhead and Lyn Tancred causing mischief with their movement. It wasn't long before the home side took the lead when a forceful run by Emmie Gittings down the right led to a strong cross into the D towards the near post. Skipper Woodhead running into the D flung herself full length on the floor to divert the ball past the keeper for a 1-0 scoreline. By now Sutton were playing within themselves and it wasn't long before they doubled the lead when Connie Gittings, replacing her sister made another good run down the right before putting Tancred through with the keeper to beat. Moving the keeper around Tancred coolly slotted home to give Long Sutton a 2-0 advantage. With such an advantage the second half began with once again Long Sutton playing some attractive hockey, looking to penetrate the opposition D and looking to score more goals. Emmie Gittings was unlucky to deflect a cross from Woodhead onto the back post, and Woodhead herself reversed a ball onto the cross bar. In between times the Cambridge keeper saved well from Tancred and the home side continued to press. With so much pressure there was bound to be a short period when Cambridge scored some success going forward and indeed for a 10 minute period in the second half that's exactly what they did, but each time they were met by the imperious Wallis. A couple of smart saves as she rushed from the line to spread herself and deflect the ball and one stunning double save to deny the University forwards. Long Sutton soon regained control and with the whole squad including Rachael Gadsden and Lauren Cooper being used to good effect the result wasn't really ever in doubt. Long Sutton ran out comfortable winners and look to maintain pressure on the other teams around them as they seek a top 2 finish in the table. Next week Long Sutton are away to Cambridge City 3rds as they continue their push for a top 2 finish