MATCH REPORT

A rearranged game from pre-Christmas saw a repeat of the first game of the season with Wisbech entertaining their local rivals Long Sutton from 9 miles down the road. With the weather set fair, despite the waterlogged fields and sports grounds around the area, both sides were looking to use this period to burn off a little Christmas fayre before the New Year celebrations kicked in. For Long Sutton they were looking to get back to winning ways after a disappointing draw against St Ives in the last game before the Christmas break. From the push back Long Sutton were up for the game. No hangover here from the Christmas food and drink. Some nice pass and movement from the side with possession being a keen factor, Sutton were able to assert themselves on their opponents, whilst at the same time playing within themselves. Gemma Parr was pushed into a slightly higher position which enabled the screens of Charlie Leuty and skipper Jo Bland to push higher up the pitch and this had an effect to push the midfield trio of Emmie and Connie Gittins along with Leah Goodley more into the Wisbech half. Lyn Tancred of course leading the attack with key leads. For the first 15 minutes of so, Long Sutton dominated proceedings with Tania White, Lisa Baker and Lauren Cooper largely untroubled at the back and keeper Lorraine Wallis largely a spectator. Just after 20 minutes some flowing hockey saw Goodley hit a superb pass into the D and Tancred in one movement picking the ball up and diverting it past the home side goalkeeper to give Sutton the lead. Within moments the away side had doubled their lead when the ball found its way to Tancred who ran towards the base line before crossing for Connie Gittins to convert all alone at the back post. Wisbech were definitely stronger opposition than the first game of the season but Long Sutton had answers for them although there were one of two skirmishes into the Sutton D each time the danger was snuffed out. Interchange players for Sutton were used well with both Amber Jones and Hannah Baker dropping in and out of the pitch to ensure maximum efforts were given at all times and that the pressure was maintained on the home side. Just before half time Sutton made it 3 when Goodley once again found Tancred on the base line in the right hand side of the D. Controlling the ball Tancred moved towards the goal before finishing across the keeper from the tightest of angles. Effectively half time came with the game won. Sutton continued their good solid passing play in the second half and did create more chances but without adding to their scoring. Some rustiness from short corners and some good defending by Wisbech kept the goals at bay. One of two forays by the home side did create 2 penalty corners in the second half but they were defended well by Sutton. Indeed the second corner brought the highlight of the second half as a fierce strike saw Long Sutton keeper throw herself full length to her left and push the ball around the post with her stick. A full blooded strike and lightening reflexes by the Sutton keeper with the thwack of the ball on stick resounding around the Astro. The final whilst went and Long Sutton had once again got back to winning ways and completed a thoroughly professional job on their near neighbours. The result moved Sutton to 4th in the league whilst Wisbech remained marooned at the bottom. Next Saturday Sutton are at home to nearly Pelicans from Kings Lynn with the pushback at 1pm and Sutton again looking for those 3 points.