MATCH REPORT

Long Sutton 2nds made the short journey to Spalding for the opening fixture of the season on a very warm afternoon. Sutton welcomed back the enigmatic "Kane Hancock" after several years absence and he slotted neatly into a defence bolstered by the sizable presence of Simon Clarke and the quality of youngster Jacob Synnott. The visitors opened well and made the early running without capitalising on the chances they created. Spalding came into the game and took the lead with a finish on the follow up. Sutton equalised almost instantly as Gary Hales turned well in the circle and finished high into the net. Sutton then took the lead as Will Taylor enjoying his best afternoon so far as a 2nd team player made a good run down the right exchanging passes before slotting home. The heat then appeared to get to the away side as they slowed to near walking pace and allowed Spalding back into the game. Even at this pace Sutton created chances but it was the top of the fence behind the goal rather than the top of the net that was being targeted. Spalding found an equaliser and then took the lead from a short corner with 7 minutes left. Sutton tried to push forward but failed to gain any positive outcomes in the opposition D. There were moments of promise but with the attacking players the team possesses there must be a far greater return going forwards.