MATCH REPORT

In the last round of fixtures before the Christmas break if anything is going to encourage you to pass on the Xmas Shopping, it's a-live game of amateur sport and this one was a monster! First met second when the Sutton 2nds hosted Cambs South 4's on what was a chilly afternoon. Sutton welcomed back Clarke into the defence and went with a squad of 13 in this key fixture. Both teams started well with attacking at pace the order of the day. Both teams played well and some good team hockey was the result, Fox and the White brothers Ed and Will casting their net over the midfield as their influence was dominant once again; aided by Batten, Jeremy Watt and Frazer Watt Sutton started to impose themselves on their urban visitors. Hagan was lively as usual and Canham led the forward line as chances were created, whilst at the back Taylor continued his run of good form with Clarke fitting himself back into the side like a comfy pair of slippers! It was therefore no surprise when Ed White provided Hagan with the chance to open the scoring which he willingly took. 1-0 As is usual with this side, they pushed on for a second and it was no surprise when Fraser Watt made it 2-0 to continue his fine run of scoring form. This was soon followed by a third with Ed White shooting well to give the home team a good buffer at half time. 3-0 The second half started well for South as the pushed on trying to reduce the arrears; this was always going to be a difficult task as the most miserly defence in the division did what it does best – defend! Baguley, after an unusually quiet first half, made an electric start to the half and came alive in the second half as he and the equally miserly Sisson in goal made sure South's efforts were fruitless. At the other end, chances were made, pressure was exerted and finally Ed White added his second to cap a fine Man of The Match performance. 4-0 In fairness, all 13 of the Sutton squad played well in this game between two good sides; when the season comes to an end neither of these two teams will be far away from the promotion places. For Sutton special mention goes to Ben Hales who put in a mature performance from the bench and at full back; he continues to work hard and listen. Sutton now head into the festive break with a five point lead at the top of the table and whilst we are now playing the second half of the season; there is still a long way to go and a lot to do but they can be pleased with how the first half of the season has gone.