MATCH REPORT

With no game next week, Sutton travelled to Ely for the final game before the Christmas break. Sutton were forced into a shuffle of the pack, with Lucy Smith being called up to the firsts, George Synnott stepped into the void at right back, with Gemma Parr dropping into centre back and Esme Whitelam making a further appearance just in front of the defence. Sutton started brightly and the game was being played predominantly in the opposition half. George Synott had the left forward of Ely in her pocket, seeing any attack that Ely tried to muster, snuffed out. Lottie Dack combined well with Amelia Norey down the right, however a combination of good goalkeeping and last ditch defending meant that Wendy Canham was not able to find the elusive finish. Sutton continued to attack with the ball being played down both flanks, with great work from Esme Whitelam and Jasmine Smith in the middle switching play to both Penny Perowne and Florence Perowne down the left, but the goal would not come. With a squad of 13, Sutton were able to bring on fresh legs and Aimee Betts and Lynne Braginton bought fresh impetus. Ely barely found possession in the Sutton 23 with Julie Skate defending the left flank as well as George on the right, orchestrated by the experience of Gemma Parr who was paying little attention to any instructions from spectator Wallis in goal. Half time came with no goals, although Sutton had come close from a short corner strike from Gemma Parr which went narrowly beyond the right- hand post.

Sutton continued in the same vein in the second half. Lottie Dack went close after a fine solo run down the right and her excellent strike going within a whisker of finding the left- hand corner of the goal. Lynne Braginton also went close, with Wendy Canham poised on the right post to slot in but the ball not quite reaching her. Sutton did however take the lead that their dominance deserved from a short corner. A slightly mis-hit shot this time from Gemma Parr eluding the Ely GK, who was obviously expecting a much better strike again. With time running out Ely did come into the game a little more but again the defence were equal to it ensuring that they were not able to muster any opportunities or short corners. Amelia Norey ensured that there was no way back for Ely on the stroke of full time. A fine run down the left and a super strike from the top of the D saw Sutton leave with all 3 points and a lofty spot near the top of the table. This team have excelled this half of the season, with the blend of young whipper snappers and really old people combining well!

Player of the match was difficult this week, with Esme Whitelam having covered every blade of the Astro, great attacking play from both Florence Perowne and Amelia Norey, but having bossed a new position of right defence the award was quite rightly taken by George Synnott. Happy Christmas all.