MATCH REPORT

 An early start to the day to travel to Cambridge Nomads and the wonderful sloping pitch at Coldham Common. The game was delayed as the home keeper was stuck in traffic which caused a 10-minute delay. The usual high press from the start was matched by Nomads and they started slightly better. The home side forced a short corner within 4 minutes however it was smartly dealt with by the defence. The slow start led to Sutton sitting deeper than intended which led to the game being played predominantly in our half. Nomads had another 2 short corners before Sutton managed to secure their own effort. Nomads broke the deadlock midway through the first half with another short corner which was saved initially but the second ball was not cleared up by our defence and Nomads pushed home. Whilst Cambridge had most of the play, it was unfortunate, but this settled the young ladies side and they forced the game to the other end. A short corner routine was unlucky not to be converted at the far post by Jemima Dodd who put the ball the wrong side of the post.

The second half started very much like the first with Nomads pressing high and forcing Sutton on the back foot. Great work from Jess Burton and Sarah Walker were forcing Nomads inside into the sticks of Gemma Parr, Maisie Sullivan and the ever-running Jo Bland. With 20 minutes left, Gemma Parr tackled the ball off her opposite number and ran from the halfway line through 3 tackles before firing the ball into the roof of the net past the flailing Cambs Nomads keeper. This opened up the game but it was nomads who claimed the next two goals. In the final 10 minutes, Sutton threw everything at the Nomads goal with the opposition using everything possible to stop the ball getting through. A converted short corner from Amber Jones made the end interesting and Sutton had a couple of chances to grab the equalizer but just couldn't get the ball home. Yet another result which wasn't quite wanted or justified but goals are the measure. This young side is growing in confidence and have again, matched a top 3 side for most of the game. Next week brings another chance to grab 3 points.