MATCH REPORT

A new season saw changes to Long Suttons third team with new captain Proctor taking the reins in the first friendly for the up and coming season. The game started in Suttons favour with good attacking hockey in Spalding's half with multiple shots peppering the keepers pads from Hagan, Pack and Proctor. The first goal inevitably came from Sutton when a bad clearance from a Smith strike fell to the feet of pack who Calmly slotted the ball home for the his and the thirds first goal of the season. Third ended 1-0 Sutton The second third followed in the same sort of suit with Sutton pressing in Spalding's half with great running and commitment from the wide men Harry and new boy Jack Bragington, Hagan and Collingwood Smith all linking up well with the central players of King, Shooter Goodley and Jack Smith with good pass and move hockey keeping the ball away from Spalding sticks for the majority of the third. Suttons fortunes were soon changed as Matt King And James Collingwood Smith both dealt injuries in a short period of time both needing them to go off. This halted Suttons attacks momentarily playing more defensive hockey than previous. As the second third drew to a close Sutton regained their shape and started hassling the Spalding keeper with great effort from Jack Bragington, Adam Pack and Harry Bragington. Sutton were determined to score again and soon were awarded a short corner which Ed Lanning neatly slotted the ball away in the bottom corner. Spalding was awarded a short corner of their own in the last five minutes of the third which Jeremy Smith, Goodley, Ripley and Proctor kept out of harm's way so that Whitmore wasn't called upon. Second third Ended 2-0 As the final third began Sutton started to tire. Attacking play started to dwindle down to couple of shots allowing pressure in Suttons half which was cleared by the defensive three that was Ripley, Goodley and Jeremy Smith. As the third came to its half way point Sutton lost their shape and Spalding took advantage by scoring two goals in quick concession after some good saves from Whitmore. Sutton fought back hard in the last moments and were un lucky not to score from King ,Lanning or Pack. Suttons defensive trio ensured Sutton would come out of the friendly with a draw. game ended 2-2 A good yet disappointing friendly for the third team who had control of the ball for the majority of the game and had the most chances but was unfortunate not to act on them. eyes are now set at working on the gaps found during the fixture and not make those mistakes again in next week's fixture. POTM this week could have gone to anyone on the pitch as they equally worked hard for everyone else on the pitch and played with maturity and respect. But with a majority vote goes to Jack Braginton for his flexibility in playing anywhere from midfield to defence in his first ever hockey game, fitting in well and working well with his team mates and playing as if he had been playing for years not just a couple of hours before playing this fixture.