MATCH REPORT

The Sutton 1sts Roadshow hit the beach at Peterborough Hockey Club this week for 70 minutes of enjoyable hockey in the early spring sunshine. Sutton started well, moving the ball smoothly along the flanks and defending with their usual prudence with stand-in youth team keeper Albert Slator showing great signs of potential. Peterborough probed and with a smattering of skilful, artful hockey players among their ranks carved out chances that were repelled by Captain Fox and his merry band of defenders. Peterborough old boy, Tom Baguley worked tirelessy as ever and Ellis, White and Batten in the centre midfield held firm and battled well. It was no surprise when, not for the only time on the day, Jacob Synott worked well down the flank to create himself some space which he used before finding Batten who in turn laid Canham in to give Sutton the lead. An excellent attacking move to give the away side the lead. Sutton continued to make chances and with a little more fortune in front of goal Baker, Taylor and Ellis could have added to the lead, however just before half time Sutton conceded a short and Peterborough equalised. 1-1 at half time. Sutton enjoyed the half time team talk so much they decided to restart 5 minutes later than Peterborough by which time they were 2-1 down. As is their usual style they fought back and after a couple of short corners a well worked routine ended with Canham finishing to equalise. Usually this is the key to kick on, however on this occasion the opposite happened – Peterborough changed their formation and Sutton did not react and goals were conceded, heads dropped a little, Cards were earned and points dropped. Less said about the second half the better, Peterborough were the better team on the day and won 5-2 though the boys will have learnt a lot on the day and to what level they need to play to every week to compete against such players. Onwards to St Ives Gentlemen!