MATCH REPORT

The last game of the season saw Long Sutton travel to Bourne Deeping for a very early push-back. Although Sutton had secured league safety a couple of weeks ago, they were desperate for a win to see the season off in style. Bourne Deeping, though, very much the surprise package of this season, had other ideas and started the game brightly bringing the game to Sutton right from the off. Wallis in goal needed to be on her toes to smother a couple of dangerous situations before Sutton were able to start asserting themselves in the game, however it was no great surprise when Bourne Deeping took the lead with a well drilled short corner routine. This young Sutton side have however showed a resilience in the last few weeks and did not let their heads drop. With Maisie Sullivan and Jess Burton having returned to the side, the defence, aided by Cooper and White held firm and not long before half time a quick free hit from Jinx Walker was given to Rhian Goodge who smartly passed to Emmy Gittins. With a quick turn of pace, she and her sister found themselves in a two on one situation with the Bourne keeper and there was only going to be one winner with Connie coolly slotting the ball between the keepers legs. Half-time 1-1. A buoyant team talk and Sutton turned round in confident mood, however again Bourne attacked strongly and a smart strike into the right hand netting gave Wallis no chance. Sutton rallied again and with strong running from Amber Jones they were forcing the game into the Bourne half. With the luxury of two subs Sutton piled on the pressure and were unfortunate not to be given the chance to equalise when a crude tackle in the D, which maybe should have bought about a flick went unpunished. Sutton continued to fight but without really putting too much pressure on the Bourne keeper. Bourne Deeping won a short corner and a drag flick into the bottom right hand corner, which although a smart finish, a keeper of Wallis' ability probably should have done better with, finally took the wind out of Sutton's sails. Although disappointed to finish the season with a loss Sutton can feel proud of their season. This season has seen a number of youngsters bought into the fray and they have acquitted themselves well. There is very little difference between Sutton and a number of the teams who have finished above them and in all but a couple of games they have competed admirably. They go into the off-season in good spirits and can look forward to what the 2019/2020 season will bring.