MATCH REPORT

 Long Sutton Ladies fine run finally came to an end on Saturday against a good Uni side who were much improved from the team faced in the first half of the season.

 On a windy day, Uni started the game at a high tempo and forced Sutton back from the off. With a reorganised back line, including two debutants, Becky Hales and Emma Grosvenor, there was initially uncertainty in defence and the fit students exploited this, however Sutton held firm. Jess Burton, playing an unfamiliar role in front of the back four, ran everywhere to pick up players and try to get Sutton a foothold in the game, which gradually they did. The first half ended goalless although Sutton probably carved out the best two chances of the game, with Amber Jones not quite being able to get in at the back post following excellent running from Connie Gittins, and a one on one with the keeper again just being poke narrowly wide by Connie Gittins.

 The second half started much in the same vein as the first with Uni pushing Sutton back and forcing an early short corner. Even with the changed defensive short personnel, Sutton remained strong, Burton running one extremely well and Lisa Baker standing firm on the post. From a defensive free hit, Tania White found Emmy Gittins in space, who played the ball Jemima Dodd, drawing a couple of Uni Students with her skill then played the ball to Connie Gittins who made no mistake this time to give Sutton an unexpected lead. Sutton gained in confidence but were struggling to retain possession, having to play against an extremely strong wind and Uni got themselves back into the game when they won a penalty flick. An unfortunate if rare mistake this season from Wallis then gifted them the lead. Sutton continued to fight with Katie Collingwood-Smith making herself available on the flank to try to get Sutton moving up the pitch. Uni then made the game safe with a third goal ten minutes from time and then put a gloss on the score-line with the final play of the game from a short corner. 4-1 a little harsh on the Sutton side who battled well.