MATCH REPORT

 The M1s welcomed local rivals Bourne Deeping in their first home game of the season. Last weekend's point on the road at Cambridge South, previously a tricky venue for the side to travel to, had given the side a massive boost to start off the season, especially considering one that lacked in pre-season fixtures. Training was well attended and the boys felt well prepped to take on a Bourne side that they knew would be stronger than last season.

The home side boasted a 14 man strong squad with additions of Dan Oldfield, Will Taylor & Mckenzie East. 3 players that were sure to strengthen the side in all areas. The game began with Sutton pushing early doors. However, 5 minutes in, Bourne Deeping were the first side to get on the scoresheet. They attacked well down the left flank heading into the circle via the baseline and the ball found its way through several bodies and, unfortunately, an unsighted Cliff was unable to prevent a free Bourne player from tapping in from a yard out. Bourne were then on the front foot and not long after added a second through a penalty stroke. 2-0. Sutton were a little winded 10 minutes in and seemed to have lost their voice and drive. The experienced heads around the pitch in Fyson, Ellis & Donaghy rallied the troops to get them going again. There was still plenty of life left in this game yet.

The midfield and forward lines started to connect better and slowly more chances were presenting themselves. The love island pair of Gray & Ibrahim connected well with the wide-men Taylor & Sargeant. About halfway through the half, the home side won themselves their first penalty corner. It was that man Fyson to slot it home with the drag flick. 2-1. The side were slightly more rejuvenated now and we're certainly growing into the game, but finding it increasingly difficult to break down the experienced Bourne Deeping back line. As the half came to a close, the travelling side were able to add a 3rd, one that perhaps the home side were unfortunate to concede. The home side responded well this time. Attacking quickly at the pitch, winning another PC and Fyson was able to convert once more with aplomb. HT 3-2

An honest half time team talk got the side going it could be argued they were the stronger side for the second half. Attacking well up the pitch but remaining defensively sound. Proctor and Oldfield working well with Donaghy and Fyson to keep out the threats. Watt and Plant worked tirelessly in the forward line to restrict away side options and it could be seen that they were slightly tiring and the home side were knocking at the door. A quick counter attack then found Plant in the circle who deflected onto the keeper but volleyed the rebound home to take his tally for the season to 2 from 2! The home side looked set and were gunning for a winner. However, as stated previously, this was a different Bourne side to previous years. They were still a strong outfit and had vast amounts of experience in these situations. They remained calm and through a fast paced counter attack, found a lone attacker in the circle who finished very well with a their first touch. 4-3

10 minutes remained and it was time to shake things up. 3 at the back as Oldfield was released to reek havoc upon the travelling sides defence. He came oh so close on two occasions with 2 intelligently placed deflections going just wide, thanks to the pin point passing of POTM Fyson. The Full Time whistle sounded and the home side had fallen to defeat!

A tough one for the men in green to take. However, they assured each other this wasn't a terrible result against a side that looked likely to be challenging at the top come the end of the season. Yes more points could have been gained but there are still plenty of positives for them to take forward on the long road ahead!.