MATCH REPORT

Long Sutton Ladies went into this game in confident mood, after a win last week on their travels, although were wary that University sides are always young and fit and can play at a high pace. The game started well though with Sutton taking the game to the Uni side with some wonderful inter-passing hockey being played through Emmy Gittins, Katie Collingwood-Smith and Connie Gittins down the right- hand side. With Gemma Parr back in front of the back four and Jess Burton starting on the left, the defence were not being troubled with Wallis a spectator in goal. Although Sutton were creating chances, they were not able to take the lead, with the Uni goalkeeper making some good saves.

Against the run of play Cambs Uni did manage to drive into the D and a shot from the top which Wallis would easily have been able to clear, was pounced upon by a Uni forward in front of Wallis to deflect the ball into goal. Sutton continued to attack down by both flanks with Amber Jones making some intelligent runs feeding the ball into forwards Hannah Baker and Connie Gittins, but Sutton were just not able to find an equaliser. Half time, Sutton still 1 down.

After a positive team talk, Sutton came out for the second half in determined mood, however Cambs Uni knew that they would have to make a fast start to ensure that Sutton could not find the elusive equaliser. Once again a deflection just in front of Wallis found its way into goal and Sutton were soon 2-0 down. Very disappointing as Wallis had not actually had a save to make other than the two deflections, so very harsh on Sutton. Sutton did not let their heads drop and with a full squad of 14 were able to utilise this fully to ensure that they were not out done in the fitness stakes. Martha Hoyles playing some intelligent hockey and Charlotte Walsh coming on to good effect. Things were soon to get worse for Sutton with a flick awarded for what the umpire saw as a deliberate foul in front of goal by Parr. However the flick was poor, although almost deceived Wallis, who had the easiest of saves. Sutton did however then suffer a further blow when Lisa Baker was forced off having been hit on the elbow with a high ball. Despite the best efforts of defensive pairing of Masie Sullivan Cambs Uni added to their tally, again with a bit of luck allowing for the third goal and a good strike for the fourth although again Wallis was disappointed not to get a stronger foot to the ball.

All in all, just one of those days, when the score-line does not really reflect the way the game had been played. Also very disappointing that following the announcement by the Government yesterday, it looks likely that it could be a while before Sutton are able to get this game out of their system.