MATCH REPORT

On the penultimate Saturday of the season Champions Elect Sutton made the short trip to local rivals Wisbech in what was a top v bottom local derby. A weakened Sutton side missing Baguley and Watt and with a number carrying injuries were met by a strong Wisbech side in what promised to be a well fought encounter. Sutton were bolstered by Kieran Forrest, making his debut for the team, and Jack Smith who both stepped up from the thirds and played very well. Sutton started well and it was no surprise when an outstanding pass from Ed White found Tyler Hagan whose finish gave defenders and keeper no chance. To their credit, bottom of the table Wisbech were not phased by this and calmly went about defending their goal to ensure the lead was not increased, on the Wisbech team the Shippey Brothers, Kevin and John were particularly strong in defence and goal and the score remained 1-0 at half time. Wisbech took the game to Sutton at the start of the second half and though Suttons Man of the Match Will White worked hard to create chances it was soon evident that Wisbech felt they could get something out of the game and eventually following work from Calvin Bishop the equaliser came. Whilst there was still 20 minutes left of the game, there is little to report with regard to hockey in this period as both sides toiled towards the end of the match – both had chances to win but it was not meant to be and the game ended 1-1. A game with one fantastic goal and little else that one would associate with a quality hockey match; unforgettable in some ways but not for repeating in others. Sutton end their campaign at home next week, hoping to finish the season with a flourish.