MATCH REPORT

A week after giving up not only their 100% record but also their unbeaten record and their top spot, Long Sutton 2nds were looking to bounce back with a good performance that could consign last weeks result to ancient history. As is often the case with quirks of fate, the fixture list had decided that the visitors this week would be City of Peterborough 6's – the same team who had replaced Sutton at the top of the table! With only a couple of changes to the squad from last week, Sutton had been making all of the right noises pre match and with a strong looking opposition arrived and ready the result would soon be known. As a match should be between 1st and 2nd it was very entertaining with some good hockey on show; both teams started well and chances were had either end. The returning Jeremy Watt in midfield soon struck up an understanding with Fox and Ed White in repelling the skilful Peterborough midfield and with the ever reliable Clarke, Baguley and Taylor their usual miserly selves in defence it looked like the game would be goalless at half time; not that the game was devoid of chances for both sides but both defences and keepers were equal to them. Canham and Will White both forcing good saves from the Peterborough keeper and Sisson making good stops up the other end. Then shortly before the break Peterborough took the lead and led 1-0 at half time. This was to be the first test of Suttons true fighting qualities this season; the question was, after a defeat last week and being a goal down to the unbeaten team who are top of the table, could Sutton show the fight to come back? The usual candidates made their inspirational speeches and the second half began………………. The answer to be fair was a resounding yes. The youngsters Ben Hales and Josh Smith fought like tigers, Jeremy Watt and Fox battled hard, The White brothers Ed and Will began to gain some control in the midfield and then there was Frazer Watt…………………………………….. After a good first half Frazer took the second half by storm and it was no surprise when Ed White found him in the D for him to hit an equaliser, this inspired Sutton and as is always the case when you find a recipe that works – why change it? Ed White made the chance and Frazer finished it 2-1 to Sutton. Peterborough were not unbeaten without reason though and they pushed forward and scored an equaliser 2-2. A barnstorming half which was enjoyed by the watching crowd. Sutton matched their resolve and following a short corner slip from Jeremy Watt, Canham finished well to make it 3-2. Back came Peterborough and earned a penalty flick that Maddie Hinch would not have saved let alone Sutton keeper Sisson so the score was 3-3. 10 minutes left and Sutton pushed forward looking for a winner and with 7 minutes to go Will White stole the ball in midfield, fed it to his brother Ed who found Jeremy Watt whose precise finish gave Sutton a 4-3 lead. Peterborough tried to respond but this time Sutton negotiated their own COP result, this one may not be the most world changing COP result of Saturday afternoon but in the short term it has probably had more effect on the lives of the 12 people who played! Back top of the table as we travel to Ely next week.