MATCH REPORT

PERFECT SUTTON MOVE WITHIN TOUCHING DISTANCE OF PROMOTION

Sutton began their final home game of the season knowing that, if results went their way, Promotion would be secured with a game to spare. The boys fielded a 13 man strong squad. One change from the side that put 9 past Ely a week prior, with just brad sargeant unavailable due to work commitments. The boys were still fully aware however that they would still have to bring their A game to secure the goods.

The game began with Sutton on top for the majority of the first half. Plenty of chances came and went for Sutton against a changed March side. Baker, Batten, Fyson and Watt all came close. It was to be Baker to grab the first. A ball over the top from Fyson was perfect for him to run onto into the right side of the circle and volley home despite pressure from behind. 1 soon became 2 with a perfect training ground penalty corner routine as Fyson flicked perfectly onto the awaiting backhand of Baker who need only watch the ball fly into the netting for the second. The defence of Oldfield, Donaghy, Fyson and Proctor were near perfect throughout with Cliff behind them and comfortably saw out the half. HT 2-0

The boys began the second half much like the first. Plenty of chances going forward and the midfield if Harrison, Taylor, Ibrahim and Gray were beginning to gell and create plentiful chances. A quality line ball from Gray found Baker who headed 1 on 1 with the keeper, rounded him to the right but was taken down from behind and, despite scoring from the floor, was awarded a flick. Baker stepped up and completed the hat trick. Little more than a minute or so later, a brilliant midfield transition from Batten saw a quick counter fall to Baker atop the D to fire home on the backhand. Sutton were firing on all cylinders now and the score line only looked like getting worse for the travelling side. Around the 20 minute mark in the half, Baker turned over the ball just outside the 23 and embarked on a mazy through a Yellow Sea which ended with him once again slotting home from the top of the circle on his backhand.

Many member of the crowd through they'd just seen goal of the day but Batten had different ideas. An inch perfect ball over the top from Fyson found Batten who after only once bounce produced the single best touch of the game to manoeuvre the ball round the keeper and into the goal, under pressure from the man in the pads and a defender behind. A top quality goal. Batten wasn't done there however, as he latched onto a Baker cross with possibly the second best touch of the game as he flicked the ball tidily into the bottom right. Sutton were flying and dreaming of a clean sheet. However, those dreams were soon to be ruined. A drag flick down the centre of the goal made its way in. A consolation goal for the visitors. Sutton were keen to have the final word though as brilliant work from the midfield was finished off by Ellis at the back post to claim the 8th of the day. Full time 8-1

Later in the afternoon news broke that IES had drawn in their game, meaning the lads moved 3 points clear. Any points next week now means promotion is secured. Just 70 minutes to go next Saturday to complete one of the best seasons had by a mens 1st team in green for many years.

The final showing of the 23/24 season, 23/3, Wilberforce Road, V Cambs City 4s…

See. You. There