MATCH REPORT

SUTTON HEAD INTO LOCAL DERBY WITH BIG WIN

The M1s returned to HQ once again this week to face a COP side that always offered a tough game. However, the home side were fresh from a big win away to Bourne and confidence was high with a 5 game win streak! Sutton welcomed back Ibrahim to the side as they sent out a strong 13 even with noticeable names out. It only goes to show the strength in depth the side has!

Sutton started on the front foot as per. Pressing well but most importantly offering the away side no channels to attack into and forcing them to make their own mistakes. This was largely down to the work of the midfield of Harrison, Gray, Ibrahim and East as well as wide men, Batten, Watt and Ellis. It was a short corner that would provide the first foal of the game slotted superbly well by Fyson into the bottom left. Another would shortly follow with Fyson this time having to round the runners before finishing once again. Some of the attacking link up play throughout the half was on another level from the home side. Intelligent touches and passes from the likes of Baker, Batten, East and Ibrahim going forward caused all sorts of issues for the opposition defence. A perfect ball from Baker to East would result in his rounding the keeper to get his first of the game. COP would then bounce back to add one of their own but Sutton responded adequately well. A lovely attack down the right with the likes of Baker, Ellis and Gray linking up well ended with the ball on the end of East's stick in a threatening position at the top edge of the D allowing him to fire home on his back hand HT 4-1 Sutton

Sutton began the second half pretty well once again and faced a tough test breaking down the low block of the travelling side. The patience of Oldfield, Donaghy, Fyson and Proctor in transferring the ball round the back would be tested. The midfield worked hard to create the pockets of space needed to attack into. Goal number 5 would be Fyson's third coming in similar fashion to the second. The second half continued in the same way. More Sutton possession and dominance. Once again, a successful short corner routine saw East fire hime to complete his first ever senior hat trick! Sutton continued to storm forward and there could've been a couple more goals if it hadn't been for the work of their keeper. A brilliant one touch ball from Baker found Batten with a perfect deflection, saved brilliantly by their keeper. More chances also came for the likes of Baker, Batten and Watt. It was the former to add the seventh with a clever two touch finish at the near post.

However, the unsung hero of the match was Cliff between the sticks who gained POTM. Some outstanding saves, especially those to prevent the quick break aways from the opposition on a few occasions as a result of the high Sutton press. FT 7-1 Sutton. A dominant display to take the winning streak to 6 on the bounce. Sutton will feel as though they are as ready as ever to take on local rivals Wisbech next week in a 1st v 2nd clash. Wisbech are yet to drop points this season and the lads will be hoping to be the first to do so! See you next week!