MATCH REPORT

Sutton went into the 2nd friendly of the season with few changes from the previous week which marked an improvement on virtually every week last season. Sutton were able to welcome Sam Markillie after a mere 11 year absence, he added his experience to the defence which also welcomed Brad Whitmore in goal to help keep the average age of the back five down to double figures. With game played in three periods to allow for umpiring issues and preseason analysis Sutton opened with cagey first period where both teams struggled to take a firm grip of midfield. Sutton looked solid in defence with Whitmore looking very capable in the goal and the period ended goalless. The second period opened with the home team looking more positive going forward, Will Taylor again showed good touches going forwards on the right. The hosts opened the scoring as the ball fell kindly to Josh Baker who was able to fire home. Sutton quickly doubled their lead as the ball went down the left before eventually making its way into the goal off Gary Hales stick. Sutton then saw debutante Josh Ripley having to go off after being struck with ball. Sutton continued to dominate the middle period and were perhaps unlucky not to add to their tally with Will White again looking classy in midfield. The last period began with the visitors coming into the game and they were able to pull a goal back when the ball arrived with an unmarked forward who was able to convert into the corner. The home response was almost instant a good move down the right saw Baker left with a tap in that he managed to convert after increasing the blood pressure of some of his more aged team mates!. Sutton created more chances but were unable to convert being particularly wasteful from a number of short corners. The defence of Jacob Synnott, Simon Clarke, Matt Mcphee and Markillie held firm until the away side pulled a corner goal back in the last two minutes. The host managed to hold out for a welcome win as the league season approaches. Special thanks must go to Ian White who forwent his match to umpire and Harry Braginton and Josh Ripley who combined playing with umpiring to allow the game to take place.