MATCH REPORT

German Bight northerly gale force 8 expected later…………………………………… Dogger gale force 6 later…………………………. Long Sutton Astro, it's just a shower and a breeze – get on with it! Whilst others battened down their hatches and cancelled events – I'm a Fens Hockey Player Get Me a Local Derby went ahead as planned with Wisbech 3's making the journey to Sutton to play the seconds this week. Sutton were missing 4 regulars as some had been promoted and others were pursuing extra-curricular activities so called up Harry Synott, Tom Burton, Gary Hales and Josh Norey to help out and as always they did not disappoint.

Wisbech came with a squad of 15 and although Sutton were on top from the start resolute defending from Wisbech kept them at bay. Sutton made chances but a combination of Goalkeeper, woodwork, good defending and rusty finishing kept the game scoreless until just midway through the half when following good work from Hagan he pushed the ball through for Canham to score. 1-0 This allowed Sutton to be a little more comfortable on the ball and the second followed from a short when Ed White picked up a Fox pass and finished well. 2-0

The weather continued to get worse but Sutton still focused on the job in hand and looked to increase their margin, Ben Hales and Josh Norey worked hard for the side whilst the only hiccup was when Adam Taylor fell into a tackle and had some time off the pitch. Then Storm Baggers hit Sutton! From an eerily quiet short corner from White, Baguley picked up the ball and struck a tornado of a shot into the corner of the goal and celebrated in a style similar to Trevor Francis in the 1979 European Cup Final – I wouldn't say it was his best finish for Sutton but it was definitely in his top one. 4-0

Sutton worked hard to try and increase the margin with a lot of unselfish work from Hagan, Burton and Synott and it was no surprise when man of the match Ed White mastered the technical challenge of the wind and struck a showstopper of a shot towards goal, which was well palmed out by the Wisbech keeper however Canham was on hand to volley home the rebound. 5-0 final whistle and top spot retained.

A good performance on a miserable day for weather, many thanks must go to the guys for umpiring and for the crowd for their support. Next week is the final road trip before Xmas as Cambridge is the destination.