MATCH REPORT

After a disappointing result last week Long Sutton ladies 2's dusted themselves off and went into this game full of confidence. They knew that they were in for a tough game having lost to Pelicans in the reverse fixture but that just meant that there was a score to settle.

Sutton started brightly and with Emma Grosvenor and Claire Sisson restored to the back line, the defence was well set up. They were however missing the usual duo of Sarah Skate and Julie Warby but with Holly Murdock and the ever reliable George Synott making up the back line Pelis were not able to get a foothold in the game. The midfield of Aimee Betts Amelia Notey Katie Whittaker and Lillie Tegerdine were youthful and sprightly and were linking play well and not allowing Pelicans to break through. Some super passing and fabulous communication meant that this young team were really jelling well. It wasn't long before the speed of Annabelle Giles and the work rate of Alison Whittaker stretched Pelicans. Some super work took Sutton high up the pitch and Katie Whittaker was on hand to smash in a rebound to give Sutton the lead. With the benefit of a substitute the team was able to give what had been asked, 110% and Chantil Sinclair slotted in to keep the tempo high.

Pelicans pushed and were almost able to restore parity but for a wonderful diving save from Ellie Sandal, who was in no mood to give up on a clean sheet. The half ended with Sutton 1-0 up and they set off again in the second half really taking the game to Pelis. The game did become stretched and Sutton did find themselves outnumbered in defence on more than one occasion but some super defending from all of the back 4 and some confident goalkeeping Sutton held out. They almost stretched their lead with Annabelle Giles using her pace to pounce upon a Goalkeeping error but she was just unable to convert. Chantil Sinclair was also tenacious in pouncing upon another strange decision by the opposition goalkeeper but was again just unable to take full advantage. Amelia Norey continued to cause havoc in midfield and the game ended with an extremely well deserved victory for this side

Player of the match could have gone to all 12 players this week but was rightly awarded to Lillie Tegerdine who is growing in confidence and had a terrific game with some very tenacious tackling and some great driving runs.