MATCH REPORT

Long Sutton made the long trip to Saffron Walden on Saturday on the back of some impressive performances of late, determined to keep up the momentum.

On a fast pitch Saffron Walden started the better of the two teams and attacked Sutton at pace. Wallis in goal, for the second week in a row, was called upon early to deal with a one on one. Sutton however settled and started to play some nice hockey of their own, looking to get the ball forward quickly to Connie Gittins and Hannah Baker, to utilise the pace of this young team. Sutton were however dealt a blow with a little less than 10 mins in. A bouncing ball, dealt with by Lauren Cooper, unfortunately, saw her stretch and she immediately knew that a serious injury had occurred. The game however went on and it was only when the ball finally left the pitch that Sutton ensured that she could receive the attention that she clearly needed to help her from the pitch. (Having since been seen in hospital, it has been confirmed that this is, unfortunately, a season-ending injury). A further ten minutes of play and Sutton were dealt a further blow when a clash of heads saw Lisa Baker having to leave the pitch. With two defenders short a quick change saw Jemima Dodd at left back and Amber Jones at left mid. Saffron Walden continued to cause a nuisance, especially with the changes having been made but this Sutton team continue to be resolute and determined and certainly do not panic now. Both Dodd and Jones coping well in their temporary roles. Wallis was however called upon again to clean up, ably assistance by captain Tania White. Sutton were then rewarded for their endeavour when the ball found its way to Connie Gittins who was able to take the ball to the base line and seemingly walk the ball around numerous defenders before slotting the ball passed the static goalkeeper. 1-0 Sutton.

The second half saw Sutton start to dominate with the impressive Gemma Parr clearing up in front of the back four, which had seen the extremely hard Baker senior return to the field, although Baker Junior had had to retire from the game at half time after a locking of sticks had caused an injury to her shoulder. From a Saffron Walden attack a clever ball from Tania White found willing runner Amber Jones who unselfishly played the ball across the D to Connie Gittins who swept home with a delightful reverse sweep for her and Sutton's second. Shortly after another clever ball from Jess Burton found Katie Collingwood Smith in space in the corner and she played the ball across this time for Amber Jones to make it 3-0 to Sutton. Saffron Walden were stunned however they started to exert extreme pressure and won a number of short corners but these were snuffed out by the excellent running of Maisie Sullivan. Wallis was again called into action getting a glove to a strike, and the quick action of Lisa Baker on the goal line to prevent the ball from crossing the line.

Saffron Walden did eventually find the net with a good strike from a short corner, having moved the ball quickly around the D. They then had a spell of pressure but the determination of this Sutton side, with the speed and endurance of the midfield and the non-stop running of Emmy Gittins ensured that Sutton would return from the long away trip with all 3 points.

Player of the match was a difficult one with every single playing having put in a shift, but it deservedly went to Connie Gittins.