MATCH REPORT

The first day of the new season and once again Peele school looked resplendent in the autumnal sunshine as Long Sutton hosted their near rivals Wisbech Ladies 2's. A new regime for the home side with new skipper Jo Bland and New club coach Neil Evans looking to improve on last year's fourth place in the league. Right from the first whistle Long Sutton took the game to Wisbech. A new formation, harder work ethic and a higher press really put the visitors on the back foot. The first 10 minutes were one way traffic and the home side just needed the first goal to settle things down. Two attacking short corners were forced but Long Sutton hadn't quite got into the groove; however when the third one did arrive the ball found its way to Charlie Leuty from Lyn Tancred's pass and Long Sutton had opened their account for the season. Immediately from the following restart Long Sutton were pushing their opponents back and Wisbech set their pattern of play out to defend with all players around the D. There was not much room to develop clear chances from open play, but Sutton continued to move forwards. It wasn't long before the lead had been doubled when player of the match Leuty made it to the bye line on the right and hit a crisp pass into Tancred in the D who expertly fed the ball through the keeper's legs for a 2-0 lead. Time and time as the first half played out the game was played in the Wisbech 25 yard area. Chances continued to come and go with a mixture of good goalkeeping, a smart pick off the goal line by and Wisbech defender and of course some rusty finishing. So half time arrived with the Long Sutton keeper Lorraine Wallis a spectator. Some words of wisdom from the new coach at half time and Long Sutton looked to continue the good work for the last 35 minutes. Whilst being in a dominant position the first 10 minutes of the second half were less than good with Long Sutton taking their foot off the gas. However, with some wise words from the sidelines and from on the pitch normal service was resumed. Leah Godley had a couple of chances to increase the lead but unfortunately missed the target on both occasions. However, after a period of settlement a further short corner extended Sutton's lead when again from Tancred the ball found its way to Leuty and subsequently to the back of the net. The game continued in this fashion until a couple of minutes before the end when Tancred thought she had scored the forth from a further short corner only for the Umpire to overrule. This led to a discussion and a subsequent green card for Tancred with less than 2 minutes to go. With Sutton therefore reduced to 10 players the game played out and the home side had kicked off the season in fine style with a comfortable win. Next week an away game at Pelicans where Long Sutton will be looking to continue their impressive start.