MATCH REPORT

Sutton were home once again this week, however faced a sterner test with the arrival of St Ives 1s who Sutton were relegated with last season. The lads knew they were in a for a much tougher game this week than the last couple weeks, yet everyone believed in their ability to win once again.

Sutton started on the front foot for the first 10 minutes with several chances going astray, Jackson, Baker, Fyson and Sergeant all miss fired early one, breaking the trend early on. Gradually the away side found their feet and began knocking at Sutton's door. Despite this pressure the defence of Ripley, Watt and Holmes held strong. More chances for both sides and saves from both keepers including our own, Skipper Braginton, meant the game remained 0-0 for the majority of the first half. Although, shortly before the break St Ives won themselves a penalty corner, through some good forward play. It was from this that they would claim the first goal however with a touch at the back post. HT 1-0

A good half time team talk for Sutton revamped the side ready to go again. Sutton began well with some early chances again with good work from Nellis, Batten and Synnott. It was from a St Ives 16 however that the game changed. Slow on the ball was the away teams centre back, allowing Baker to recover the ball, gallop into the D and let off a thunderous reverse stick shot past the frozen keeper. Sutton were back in the game and rearing to go. However, St Ives are no fools and as past battles between the two sides suggest, this game was far from over. St Ives, flew forward with some crisp attacking play cutting apart the Sutton defense and were able push the tide in their favour. The defense was rocked however, battle cries, from Harrison, Fyson, Holmes and Braginton got the side focused once again. This game was still far from done. 8 minutes on the clock and Sutton were steaming forward on the counter. The ball played to Fyson from Nellis as he carried into the D and a smashing shot through the keepers legs took the lads 1 goal away. The boys were, up and about, the crowd were behind them and it felt like there was a twelfth man on the pitch. Sutton switched it on and drove forward in numbers. With two minutes to go it is once again a penalty corner that would decide the game. The call was a straight strike from Fyson, and sure enough he calmly dispatched the ball away into the bottom left corner. Sutton then saw off a late St Ives push to snatch a point from the palms of defeat.

A fantastic result for the boys to remain top of the league. Although it wasn't the best hockey at times, the work rate and shear determination of the side earned them a deserved point agasint a strong outfit. In past weeks we've showcased our quality on and off the ball. This week we showed the other side to our game. The grittiness and determination any side requires to be a top team.

Until next week, Go Well!