MATCH REPORT

 

Long Sutton Mens 2nds travelled to Peterborough to take on a strong side for an early start with couple of regulars missing. The side was joined by Jack Smith, Luke Jackson and Sam Bartlett to deliver a 12 man squad to take on the 14 men of Peterborough. Peterborough were strong and started strong but Baguley, Ben Hales and Smith defended stoutly whilst Braginton was excellent in goal so the game remained coreless. In midfield, The White brothers, Batten, Croxford and the impressive Jackson worked hard to start to make an impression on the game. Canham, Eddie Hales and Sam Bartlett worked the home defenders well and chances were created by both teams but the score remained goalless at half time even though it was a good entertaining game of hockey. The second half started and Peterborough scored two goals in quick succession, both goals gave Braginton no chance in the Sutton goal. The next question was would that result in heads dropping within the young cohort – the answer was of course no! Batten, Baguley, the Whites and Jackson stepped up to show leadership and the game began to swing towards Sutton. The young side got stronger and stronger and it was no surprise when Batten grabbed one back. A series of pressure and short corners followed and the possibility of a Grandstand finish presented itself when a final short corner was awarded – a worked routine followed and was almost deflected in to give a draw but agonisingly went the wrong side of the post and the game was over. Some you win and some you lose – but we definitely learned more about the spirit and fight of this team today and what we learned was good.