MATCH REPORT

 Another weekend and another 6-point game. This rearranged fixture brought bottom of the table Newmarket 1's to Long Sutton on a very warm February afternoon. Without the ever-dependable Gemma Parr, the home side welcomed the return of Captain Jo Bland and midfield dynamo Charlie Leuty. Newmarket came with new players, a new coach and a buoyant attitude after recent victories. The bottom half of the league is incredibly tight and a win either way massively changes the table. Therefore, with so much at stake, it was a hardly surprising that the game was close from the first minute to the last. From the off, Sutton attacked whenever possible, but Newmarket defended stoutly and at the other end, the Sutton defence held firm for another week. The back line of Lorraine Wallis in goal, Lauren Cooper, Tania White, Maisie Sullivan & Jess Burton are becoming a miserly bunch but they did allow Newmarket a short corner mid-way through the first half. The ball cleared away from danger and up the other end for a short corner for Sutton. 4 short corners later and the scores were still donuts. The return of Leuty and Bland were giving Sutton extra dimensions which enable the triad of Gittins, Gittins and Jones to create chances but unfortunately none were turned into goals.

Half time brought some time to recover and take on liquid, but the game restarted all too soon. A tactical change allowed Leuty a lot more space which she used with her usual level of determination and skill. Real chances were of a premium at either end, but Wallis remained resolute and determined for another clean sheet. She dived, jumped and kicked to make sure that nothing was getting past her and with game entering the final 15 minutes, a goal was desperately needed by either side. Eventually, a short corner routine saw Hannah Baker shooting wide to the unmarked Leuty whose reverse stick slapped the ball into the goal. 14 minutes left to play, and the focus now became defence and counter attack. With a few stops for injuries, the game stuttered however Newmarket were trying everything to break down the resolute Sutton team. However, the 3 points were destined for home turf and with the final whistle blowing this team knew that they had put in another shift. Over the last 3 weeks they have played the hockey that was threatened in the first half of the season. They have laid everything on the line for the team and every member of this squad played their part. 7 points from the last 9 available has made the run in to the end of the season very interesting. It was a massive boost to have Captain Bland back and the added boost of Leuty was the icing on the cake. Both of who matched the other 11 players in their commitment and desire. Well played everyone.