MATCH REPORT

Sometimes in sport you have to just accept that your opposition on the day were better than you and despite everything you have in your kit bag you just can't cross that winning finishing line. Such was the day yesterday. Long Sutton arrived at Cambridge in good form, continuing their push to finish in the top 2 in the league. Before the start of this game the destiny was in their hands. Win their remaining 4 games and the goal would be achieved. Cambridge City were obviously looking at their own aims and were sitting only two points above Long Sutton in second place in the table. Long Sutton were without skipper Leanne Woodhead, but the squad assembled were clearly up for the challenge and were ready. Right from pushback Long Sutton knew it was going to be a long afternoon. Within 30 secs of the start the expansive movement and fast stick work of the home side led to a flick being awarded after Lisa Baker tried everything in her armoury to prevent a goal from the first strike of the match. There was very little she could do as the ball ricochet from a stick up her body down to her feet as it headed for the back of the net. Up stepped Cambridge to take the lead only to be denied by a stunning left hand save by Sutton keeper Lorraine Wallis as she flung herself horizontally to push the ball away. This first moment in the game set the pattern for the remainder. Cambridge were relentless as they pushed forward in wave after wave of sustained pressure. The Sutton defence of Baker, Tania White, Jo Bland and Gemma Par were heroines to repel all comers alo0ng with the inspired Wallis behind them. Time and time again Sutton repelled all attempts on goal. By now the Sutton Midfield of Leah Goodley, Charlie Leuty, Emmie Gittins and Louise Southgate were being run ragged, but they never gave up; the green shirts they were wearing serving as battle colours to keep Cambridge out. Lyn Tancred and Connie Gittings up front were becoming isolated as Sutton struggled to get forward momentum. As the first half went on the introduction of Lauren Cooper and Rachael Gadsden as squad substitutes kept the energy levels up, but on a hot day and constantly on the back foot tiredness was taking its toll. An injury to Parr with a pulled hamstring was a blow which led to some reorganisation. But even so with this disappointment Sutton continued to repel boarders. A change of formation bring 5 into midfield slowed Cambridge a little but nevertheless they pressed and pressed but each time found the Sutton players not wanting to give up the Green shirt. As the half progressed Sutton did hit on the break on 2 good occasions but the final pass just went awry despite the unselfish running of Lyn Tancred and Connie Gittings. Half time came and there was probably disbelief in the Cambridge team that the score was still 0-0. If ever there was a back to the walls performance from any team to admire it was this one. The second half came and the same story continued. Wave after wave of attack beaten away by Wallis and her defence. With energy levels sapping it was inevitable Sutton would concede and with 25 minutes left another foray into the D and Cambridge found the back of the net at the second attempt with Wallis having foiled the first attempt. Within 5 minutes the lead had doubled with a simple but perfectly placed strike from the right had edge of the D across Wallis into the far corner. Sutton changed formation again to go 3 at the back to try and bring some forward momentum and as we arrived in the last quarter of the match Sutton were able to get some breaks in their opponents half but again the Cambridge players seemed to be everywhere and managed to snuff out the danger. The pattern continued until the final whistle as Cambridge ran out winners 2-0. Sutton had done everything to change the game, but to no avail. No would could do or give anything else. The ladies played for the badge and for the shirt they ran themselves to a standstill for the club but unfortunately Cambridge were just too good. This result makes Long Sutton real outsiders to finish in the top 2, but nevertheless there are 3 games left to win and push for another top 4 finish this season. Proud to be a small part of the green army today. We look forward to next week as we entertain Alford.