MATCH REPORT

The last friendly before the league started saw Sutton host Spalding with both teams hoping for a better result than two weeks previous. The game started balanced with end to end play with great turn around play with Hagan and Roberts unfortunate not to give Sutton the lead. Spalding was the first to score however with a well placed deflection. This didn't stop Sutton and they pushed forward as a unit with great work from Tyler Hagan and Jeremy Smith in getting the ball forward. Spalding defended well for the majority of the half but in the final minutes of the half and Sutton still a goal down they were desperate for an equaliser which eventually came as Quentin's intended cross found the back board for his first Sutton goal and the equaliser that the team deserved half ended 1-1 The second half saw Spalding press in Suttons half of which the back three of Jeremy smith Ian White and Steven Milnes kept the ball out Whitmore's way for a good part of the time. However mistakes were made and Spalding soon were given a string of short corners and after many saved attempts a bobbled ball soon found the back board. This didn't lower Suttons spirits and were soon on the counter attack and were awarded a couple of short corners for their work which White slotted home to give Sutton the equaliser. This brought Sutton back into the game and they went on the attack and with great attacking hockey Sutton remained in control of the ball for the majority of the half with the defence mopping up any stray balls that came into their half. Sutton soon gained the lead when a Goodley cross found an unmarked Norey who slotted the ball into the goal for his first senior goal. This didn't stop Sutton as they constantly pushed for more goals and were unfortunate to score from Braginton Collingwood Smith or Proctor. in the final 10 minutes of the half Sutton was rewarded for their efforts by Jack Smith with a run along the right hand side into the D and shelled the ball into the far corner from a narrow angle. Spalding scored a final goal from a short corner in the last couple of minutes. game ended 4-3 Sutton a great game and a good win to boost spirits going into the season. It's clear to see that all the training has payed off and that the third team can play effectively with each other and get the result that they want player of the match this week goes to Tyler Hagan for one of his best outfield performances to date with great work on the wing tracking back when needed and supplying the ball to the central men as the ball went forward