MATCH REPORT

Long Sutton were again involved in a game with a late goal as Leadenham equalised within five minutes of the final whistle in a clash both teams could ill afford to lose. The game opened with Sutton unable to replicate the fast start of the previous week. It was Leadenham who had the edge in the first half seemingly first to the ball and playing with an urgency that the hosts lacked. The away team opened the scoring as they capitalised on some slack marking to finish. The home team responded with their best move of half some crisp passing saw Gary Hales pick out Josh Baker who turned away from his marker before slamming the ball home. The visitors then retook the lead to go into the interval with a narrow advantage. Sutton made some tactical alterations at half time and with everyone aware of the importance of the second half came out looking altogether more threatening. Matt Goodley influenced the game from the middle of the pitch and Will White had some moments of quality down the left. The equaliser came as the ball popped up in the circle, Luke Jackson sent it towards the goal before Gary Hales had the final touch knocking over the keeper high into the net. The home team began to play some better passing hockey with Sam Gray showing his quality on a welcome appearance. Sutton took the lead from a corner with White deflecting in at the post despite pressure from two defenders. The host had a couple of chances to make the game safe but as the game reached a conclusion Leadenham began to apply more pressure and after forcing a number of corner they eventually found a player unmarked on the back post to slot home. The visitors forced one last chance in the last couple of minutes but the game ended in a draw which was probably a fair reflection of the whole game. Man of the match was Gary Hales with some classy touches up front.