MATCH REPORT

Long Sutton Ladies 1 V Spalding Ladies 1's 25th January 2020 Long Sutton Ladies went into this local derby on the back of a great performance last week, but knew that they were in for a tough match. Spalding were above them in the league and had improved their squad since the reverse fixture earlier in the season. Spalding came out of the blocks quickly and pinned Sutton back, Wallis being called into action quickly when one-on-one with the new Spalding forward, however Wallis came out on top! Sutton have learned to defend resolutely over the course of the season and do not panic and even a slight change to the normal line up saw them continue in this manner. Player of the match, Jess Burton, magnificent in the timing of her tackles to thwart Spalding with their attacks down their left, driving forward to take the game further up the pitch. The Spalding Keeper was drawn into one spectacular save from a fierce drive from Hannah Baker however the half ended 0-0 and if we are being honest Spalding probably had had the better of things. The half time team talk was about continuing in the same vein but to maybe release the ball a little quicker, before driving into trouble. Sutton came out determined and took the game to Sutton. Mid-way through the half, a quick ball out by Tania White to Connie Gittins who went on a lung bursting run the length of the pitch, slipped the ball to Jemima Dodd on the P spot who gave the Spalding Keeper no chance. 1-0 Sutton to the delight of the partisan crowd! Spalding continued to press but were being harried all across the pitch, Parr in front of the back four continually breaking down the Spalding attacks. Sutton were not done with their own attacking and won a short corner. Drilled out by Parr, to Hannah Baker who struck a fierce shot which was well saved again by the Spalding Keeper, however the ball fell back to Baker who lifted the ball calmly over the keeper to make it 2-0. Sutton were determined now to take all three points and everyone was working extremely hard to take the sting out of Spalding, who were finding it difficult to get back into the game. However late on, on a forward run they were able to find a way passed Wallis in goal, who probably should have done better but whilst it gave Spalding a bit of belief, Sutton held firm to ensure that they would go away empty handed. Next week away at Saffron Walden.