MATCH REPORT

Long Sutton went into the last match before the Christmas break needing a win to bolster their league position, unavailability meant a squad of only eleven but with a good balance of youth and experience. Sutton opened well passing the ball quickly and accurately and moving the ball to the flanks to try and utilise their pace behind the defence. After the opening ten minutes the visitors started to come into the game and opened the scoring with a sharp overhead finish. The hosts then rediscovered their early form and equalised with Matt Goodley finishing a fine move at the back post for his first second team goal. Gary Hales soon put Sutton in the ascendancy picking up the ball on the far post to tap in. Sutton probably should have put the game out of sight at the point with the best period of attacking play of the season passing and moving to create numerous chances. Will White and Luke Jackson were prominent driving forwards to support the forwards. The home team did finally get a third just before half time with Goodley on hand again to finish a well worked short corner. The second half opened with Cambridge raising their game and forcing a number of corners whilst the hosts lost a little of the fluidity of the first half, Sutton defended well with keeper Matt Braginton ably supported by Matt Holmes and Simon Clarke, the visitors pressure eventually paid off with their second goal. The game became more open with several wasted corners for both sides . The home team then regained their two goal lead when Josh Baker picked the ball up and from a very narrow angle smashed the ball home when everyone expected the cross. Sutton then rediscovered their confidence passing well and linking the play with full backs Sam Gray and Tom Burton creative with the ball and displaying increasing maturity in their game management. The final goal was the pick with crisp passing in midfield before the ball found White at the top of the circle, his clever pass wide of the goal was picked up by Hales who laid the ball in for Baker to slot home. Sutton must now look to retain their fitness and hope for good availability in the new year to try and climb the table. Man of the Match was Matt Goodley who displayed his quality on numerous occasions with defenders Holmes and Clarke running him close with their brave and physical defending.