MATCH REPORT

Long Sutton ladies 2's were keen to take this game to Ely and attacked from the pushback, winning a short corner which they were unfortunate not to convert. This gave the girls some confidence though and they continued to push Ely back with forwards Alison Whittaker and Aimee Betts defending from the front. The midfield line up of Lillie Tegerdine Pippa Hastings Katie Whittaker and Lottie Dack whilst young were looking to get the game under control with some good link up play and great communication. The game was end to end though and Ely were good on the counter attack whenever Sutton lost the ball. The defence of Emma Grosvenor Claire Sisson and Sarah Skate with Georgina Synott just in front were mopping up any attack that Ely could muster leaving goalkeeper Ellie Sandal a virtual spectator. Sutton made their dominance pay early in the first half when Lottie Dack saw space to drive into, taking the ball into the D and finishing with aplomb. 1-0 Sutton. Sutton were guilty of not keeping the ball in possession though and on one such occasion saw a driving run down the left flank end with the ball in the back of their net following a deflection which meant the despairing dive of Ellie was to no avail. This team has grown since the beginning of the season though and they dusted themselves down and set about attacking again, the fresh legs of Chantil Sinclair and Holly Murdoch meaning that they could keep the pressure on Ely. They took the lead again in similar fashion to their first goal but this time it was Pippa Hastings applying the finish.

At half time the young team were reminded that they needed to release the ball earlier to players in space and look to keep possession which would not allow Ely chances. Ely obviously had not read the script as they did apply pressure but some great defensive work by Sarah skate in particular meant they could not capitalise. Keeper Ellie also had to be alert clearing a number of balls to avert any danger. Sutton did have further chances of their own and short corners but they were just not able to convert to give them a cushion going into the final stages. The whole squad gave absolutely everything though and were well deserved winners in the end. POTM was difficult this week, Sarah Skate coming close but the accolade went to Lillie Tegerdine for great positioning and communication as well as tenacious tackling.