MATCH REPORT

With 7 games to go to the end of the season, Sutton welcomed local rivals Spalding in what is always a well fought match. Spalding to their credit came with a good sized squad and some excellent support. As usual Sutton had a squad of 12 with Hales playing 1's this week and his place being taken by Hagan. Spalding started well and frustrated Sutton with their excellent press and good rotation from the bench, Sutton still created chances and on another day could have taken the lead early on, but that is not to say Spalding did not have chances too but these were snuffed out by the miserly defence of Clarke, Baguley, Taylor, Hales and keeper Sisson. Eventually Sutton's managed to find a way to break down the resolute Spalding defence with Batten finishing after work by Canham. There soon followed a second for Batten as he finished after excellent work from Man of the Match Josh Smith, who stepped up from the 3's very well. Batten turned provider before half time when setting up Hagan for his first of the match. Half Time 3-0. To their credit Spalding did not stop taking the battle to Sutton and after the break reduced the deficit with a well taken goal – only the 9th Sutton have conceded all season. Sutton were stung into action and shortly afterwards, following good work from Ed white and Will White, Canham finished to restore the 3 goal lead. Fox subsequently set up Hagan for his 2nd and then set up Batten for his hat-trick. The scoring was not finished and the last goal of the day was the best, with excellent team play resulting in Batten setting Hagan up for a tap-in for him to complete his hat-trick. On paper a comprehensive 7-1 win, however Spalding can consider themselves unlucky at the margin after they competed well and contributed fully to an entertaining game. Sutton go to March next week, hoping to maintain their momentum. .