MATCH REPORT

A game against Alford 1's is always going to be a bit of a test. The game started 15 minutes late due to the keeper being held up in traffic. From the whistle the tone was set – it was always going to be a physical game – a bit of a shock to our younger players! An error in defence allowed the Alford forward to get through on goal and her shot somehow rolled under the foot of Lorraine Wallis. Alford were understandably elated. However, Sutton started to pass the ball quickly around the Alford midfield and we asserted some control on the game. The game pushed up into the Alford half and the goal was coming. The quick movement paid off when Amber Jones was found in the D and she squared for Emmy Gittins to push past the diving keeper. The pressure was telling on the Alford players who were questioning most decisions. After a brief talk to the Alford Captain, play resumed. Alford played the ball forward and was intercepted by Maisie Sullivan. A quick pass to Connie Gittins, a slip to Amber Jones who laid it back to Connie to have a shot. The rebound bounced up and Connie showed her cricketing skills to on-drive the ball home. Jo Bland had a mesmerizing run into the D to confirm the dominance, couldn't finish but drew the short corner. Sutton didn't score from this initially but after the Alford players stopped yet again for a reason known only to them, Sutton played and Emmy scored her second.

Half time, 3-1 up and all going to plan. Again the defence were cutting out anything getting to Lorraine Wallis which was probably a good idea as she was still beating herself up from the first goal incident.

We knew that we had to keep on it this week but inevitably and understandably, we had a 10 minute period at 75%. As in last weeks match, this proved costly as it allowed Alford to scramble their second goal. Quickly after a free hit just outside the 23, the ball was pinged in and slotted home to make it 3-3.

Sutton came again with the second wind and pushed hard for the win. They knocked and knocked on the door but couldn't get through. The effort that the team put in was immense and total, which showed when Jo Bland had an asthma attack with ten minutes left. The game stopped for a couple of minutes for Jo to recover and this allowed a rousing few words from Gemma Parr. Sutton forced numerous short corners in the last couple of minutes but still couldn't find a way through. The last short corner, which coincided with the end of the game was the last chance. The ball was played out to Jo Bland whose shot was half-stopped but helped on its way by Amber Jones and the ball crossed the line.

Jubilation and just reward for the amount of effort given yet again, this team is quickly becoming settled with movement on and off the ball, showcasing the hard yards put in training. Great to get the first three points of the season. Bring on St Ives next week! 

Report by Jo Bland