MATCH REPORT

A dramatic match ended with honours even in Division 3NW. With both sides at the wrong end of the table it was game more memorable for effort than for the high quality of hockey. Both sides opened slowly but it was the hosts who opened the scoring when after a number of rebounds the ball dropped to Gary Hales who was able to volley home. This spurred the visitors who took advantage of some lax marking to quickly score two goals. Sutton then responded creating chances before Josh Baker crashed a shot from a near impossible angle which hit both posts before spinning across the line. Spalding retook the lead before the halftime interval with a well taken goal at the back post. The second half began with the away side quickly adding another goal from the penalty spot after a Sutton player stopped a goalbound effort with their body. The two goal deficit finally seemed to motivate the home team and the tempo was upped with some better passing and more urgency to the play. Spalding continued to threaten on the break but the hosts pulled one back when Josh Baker unleashed another thunderous reverse stick finish having picked up a long pass from midfield. Matt Goodley showcased his array of skills down the left side with great control and high quality passing. With just two minutes to go Sutton thought they had gained the draw, Nick Ellis sent the ball in from the right flank and Luke Jackson with the most subtle of touches turned the ball in. This however was only the beginning of the drama as from the restart a defensive dalliance allowed the visiting forwards to steal the ball and burst forward retaking the lead despite keeper Matt Braginton's best efforts. Only thirty seconds were left on the clock but Sutton refused to give up and with a quick transfer up the pitch an unnecessarily rash challenge allowed them to win a corner as the final whistle went. The last action of the game saw Ellis rifle his short corner towards the backboard for Will White to deflect it up into the net for the equalising goal. A draw was probably not ideal for either side but both can move forward hoping to pick up the points necessary for league survival in the coming weeks. Man of the match was Matt Goodley with some moments of genuine quality.