MATCH REPORT

If ever there was a measure of how far this team has evolved, then this was one. Sutton welcomed top of the table Cambs South 5's to Long Sutton, in confident mood, despite the fact that Cambs South had scored an average of 6 goals in each of their previous games.

It didn't take long for Sutton to see why the opposition were top as they looked a well drilled side full of players wiser and more experienced than those of Sutton, however with Sutton marshalled well in defence by Player of the match Emma Grosvenor, Cambs South struggled to gain a breakthrough. With Esme Whitelam welcomed back this week, sitting in front of the back line, Sutton tried to get their own attacks going and the midfield trio of Penny Perowne, Jasmine Smith and Lottie Dack were working extremely hard up and down the pitch to assist in defence and attack. Mid-way through the half, Cambs South did take the lead when a shot looped off the outstretched kicker of Lorraine Wallis into the back of the net. Sutton were not deterred, however, and they continued to frustrate South with excellent defending from Julie Skate and Lucy Smith . Sutton forwards, Florence Perowne, Wendy Canham and Amelia Norey continued where they left off from last week, making excellent runs and stretching the game to ensure that South had to remain vigilant at the back to retain their lead.

Half-time came with no further score and Sutton's half-time team talk was upbeat. They definitely felt that they could get something from the game if they continued to work as they had in the first half. The turnaround was swift, with the atrocious weather conditions meaning that no-one wanted to stand around too long. Sutton started brightly, and Aimee Betts was finding space down the left and demanding the ball and George Synnott, playing in numerous positions, covered every blade of Astro. South won numerous short corners, but again the defence stood firm.

With the half coming to an end, Sutton tried to throw caution to the wind, and push a little higher but the experience of South meant that they continued to retain possession and Sutton were unable to create any real clear- cut opportunities to level the score.

Despite the defeat Sutton can be extremely proud of the way they played and remain third in the table going into what will be their last game before the Christmas break, next week, away against Ely.