MATCH REPORT

The away game for the thirds could have been played in Alaska as by 3pm temperatures had plummeted, wind speed had risen and all hope of retaining feeling in fingers and toes had long been lost. Bourne Deeping started the brightest but the Sutton team marshalled by Jack Smith soon got into gear. With the experience of Ian White in the middle the youngsters started to do what they do best - keep trying. Milnes and J Smith fed some good long balls through that the Simpson brothers used well to start to put pressure on. Bartlett was unlucky not to get on the end of the final passes. The first goal came after a scramble in the D resulted in a flick. Perfectly placed by J Smith. Not long after BD won a short and the temperature on the sideline rose considerably as after a high first shot the follow up was rewarded, 1-1 . After a short break for the floodlights to be switched on when everyone quickly dressed like frosty the snowman, play continued.Braginton pulled off an awesome save that the BD players also congratulated the young keeper on as his hand eye co ordination saved what looked like a sure goal. Half time and the score was still level. Josh Smith, Munson and Jack Smith continued to thwart attempts from the deceptively nimble BD forwards and Croxford was making useful inroads.

The second goal came from a Daniel Simpson drive down the wing and a great cross that fell for Alex Wilkinson, who made no mistake in hitting hard and low to find the backboard. 2-1 and both teams were feeling the bite of the cold as BD came back again with a flurry of play themselves, to bring them back in it. The attacks continued at both ends, short corners came and went and it looked like the score would stay 2-2. Continuing to search for goals the youngsters worked together and despite the miserable conditions the whole team celebrated Eddie Hales first goal that he slotted home top right. 3-2, could Sutton hang on for a win? Alas despite the defence soaking up the pressure from several shorts and some desperate defensive work by Jack, BD snuck one back and it was a relief for all, as well as a rush for coats and layers when the final whistle went and the game finished 3-3.