MATCH REPORT

Long Sutton opened their league campaign with a defeat at local rivals Wisbech. Both teams had dropped down a division following last season but it was the home side that looked much reinforced on last season. Sutton opened slowly and allowed Wisbech to set the early pace, the visitors struggled to gain any meaningful possession and did not pick up their opposite numbers closely enough. The home side quickly went 2-0 ahead unmarked players at the far post giving keeper Brad Whitmore no chance. Sutton did begin to play their way back into the game and looked to move forward themselves, Wisbech added a third before Will White pulled a goal back with a great piece of skill beating two defenders before slotting the ball into the corner. The hosts completed the first period scoring to reach the half way point in a dominant position. Half time saw some tactical changes as Sutton changed formation to try and be more competitive, Sam Markillie pushed into midfield and his quality allowed Sutton to push higher up the pitch. The match was a much more even contest in the second half with the hosts scoring twice and the visitors matching this through a Ben Smith short corner and Gary Hales who outwitted his marker before smashing home. Sutton could have had a couple more goals were it not for some sharp saves from the home keeper. Wisbech scored near the end despite Whitmore making some good saves in the away goal. Man of the match was Jacob Synnott who played his way into the game and showed composure and game management that was lacking in some of his teammates. Sutton have the first home league match this Saturday against Alford and will need to make a more purposeful start to the game.