MATCH REPORT

For the final time this season Sutton took to the field. On the back of three wins they were in confident mood looking to wrap the season up in style. Sutton began brightly taking the game to St Neots but St Neots had a couple of influential players and the game became an end to end affair. The defence of Julie Emma and Sarah were in no mood to let St Neots in however and ensured that keeper Ellie had little involvement. With George patrolling in front of the back three, the midfield of Katie Alison and Lillie were able to push up to join forces with the front line of Chantil Annabelle and Holly. With three subs all making their debut for Sutton intensity could remain high. Despite a number of attacking opportunities Sutton were unable to make the breakthrough and in fact found themselves behind in bizzare circumstances. Sutton did not let their heads drop and continued to pile on the pressure, debutants Alice, Jasmin and Libby slotting in as if they had played all season. Libby forced a short corner right on the stroke of half time but still they could not find the elusive goal. The score line definitely did not reflect the gameplay and instructions were given to stretch the game wider along with the goal to give the opposition goalkeeper who had had a fine first half less chance.

The second half was pretty much a mirror image of the first Sutton continuing to apply the pressure without being able to make the breakthrough. A short break in play when one of the opposition players wanted a brief chat with the umpires before taking a momentary break, gave Sutton chance to regroup again but they were not able to make the number advantage count. With St Neots back at full strength debutants Alice and Jasmin exchanged passes before Jasmin drove into the D and a scramble involving Katie and Annabelle saw Annabelle apply the finish for a richly deserved equaliser. Sutton were able to keep the intensity high making use of the squad but could not find another finish to make the game safe. St Neots won a number of late short corners but the defence held firm to ensure an unbeaten end to the 2023/2024 season. A season to be proud of. Player of the match was shared between Alice and Jasmin for a tremendous effort on their debut. It looked as if they had played all season and we look forward to seeing them next along with fellow debutant Libby.