MATCH REPORT

SUTTON SMASH 9 IN PROMOTION HUNT

The boys travelled away to Ely today. A location familiar to much of the squad as a top drinking ground in the summer! However, today was all about business. 3 games to go and with promotion hopes in their hands, the lads were focused on getting the job done. For the second time in as many away trips we donned the away strip hoping this time to give it a better showing of hockey!

Sutton began the game in typical Sutton style. Hard and fast! The boys were 1-0 up through Baker before the home side could even get a touch on the ball! The first goal was soon followed by a second. Baker was played through by Batten, who was able to slip in Sargeant on the right side of the D to smash home to make it 2-0. The scoring didn't stop there however, just under 10 minutes in a fast break away from a ball from Oldfield meant Baker was able to gallop half the length of the pitch round the Ely defence and fire gone on the backhand. And then just before the 15 minute mark, a shot from Sargeant was impressively guided home by Taylor to make it 4! Phew! What a 15 minutes. Sutton showcased what they could do and put Ely to the sword early on. From here the half slower but Sutton remained solid thanks to the defence of Oldfield, Donaghy, POTM Fyson, Proctor and Cliff between the sticks.

It was later on into the half that Ellis was found on the 23. He carried forward, played Baker in to the right side of the D and he was able to finish first time on the forehand to complete a first half hat-trick! Sutton saw out the rest of the half and reached the break 5 goals to the good! The half time team talk was, as expected, positive but the boys were keen to keep up the same intensity and drive!

The second half began with Ely scoring first through a flick. Sutton weren't too happy about this and responded with intent. Up the field they went, driven by the midfield of Harrison, Ibrahim, Gray and Taylor. It was a lovely team goal to bring up the sixth as Baker cleverly played in Batten round his back who was then able to complete a 1-2 with Ibrahim to round the keeper and get his own name on the scoresheet. Sutton weren't done there. Baker was able to add his fourth on the backhand to make it seven before Batten crashed home to make it eight!

The game was starting to become somewhat of a scrappy affair but Sutton made sure to keep themselves on top and there were plenty more chances in the half. Many attacking runs down the flanks were made by the likes of Batten, Sargeant and the returning Watt from injury. It was one of these runs that would present the last goal of the game for Baker to complete his tally for the day. Ely managed to gain a second at the death which they perhaps deserved for their efforts on what was a hard day out in the sun. Full time 9-2

A strong showing from the boys going into the final home game of the season against March. A big game in the promotion as the men in green ran out 3-2 winners last time out in a tight affair. 140 minutes of hockey to go…