MATCH REPORT

Another beautiful day as the ladies from Long Sutton strolled into the University City for the first v second clash in East Division 2NW. Indeed, this was to be the first ever engagement at ladies level in the history of both clubs. The pitch looked immaculate, although it flattered in its deception and it played like a trampoline, but nevertheless Long Sutton seemed up for the game. The whistle went and the game unfolded, with Sutton prevented from playing a smoother game by the bounce in the pitch. Cambridge had the better of the early exchanges and it took some adjustment for Long Sutton to identify the opposition's key playmaker. However, once Lou Southgate arrived on the pitch from the bench the opposition's No15 was largely anonymous, but of course they used their options to cause Sutton issues elsewhere. Despite the effort and willingness to succeed, Sutton were finding this game difficult and keeper Lorraine Wallis was certainly the busy of the 2 goal tenders. Some stoic defending was keeping the score level. Then after 15minutes Long Sutton got a foothold in the game, having got used somewhat to the pitch. Some circle penetrations led to some opportunities, but Lyn Tancred was foiled by the keepers pads once or twice and despite penetrating runs from Charlie Leuty and Jo Bland, Sutton were not able to get any sort of outcome in the D. Then, Cambridge broke and with the ball breaking in the D a scuffed shot seem to bounce it was over Wallis to give the home side the lead. There is an attitude about Long Sutton this year. Despite not being 100% there is a never give up approach and a willingness to continue to push. With 10 minutes to half time Sutton got a penalty corner, this would prove to be in fact their only one. Tancred to Leuty to Lisa Baker and the ball found its way to Southgate at the back post and the game was tied. The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with the younger Cambridge team forcing more and more opportunities, but October is not called Stoptober for nothing. Our defence of Baker, Tania White, Gemma Parr and Jess Burton, not forgetting Wallis behind them were excellent. The resilience of this team this season is growing. As the game moved on it was time for our youngsters Connie and Emmie Gittins and Amber Jones to make their presence felt. Sutton created some more chances and they pressurised the Cambridge defence more but they were not able to get any desired outcomes. In the end the game petered out into a draw. An excellent defensive display and once that was needed when individuals are slightly off their game. Sutton conceded 11 penalty corners, far too many, but each one was defended, Both teams still sit at the top of the table in these early stages and Long Sutton will no doubt be relishing the return fixture at home where the pitch will be more to our looking. Next week Long Sutton do indeed play at home where we entertain Cambridge Nomads at Peele School with a 1pm pushback.