MATCH REPORT

With a considerably depleted team and a ball that had taken on the role of a chameleon Sutton's game was scrappy to say the least. The first fifteen minutes saw the defence of G Croxford, Milnes and Jerm under considerable pressure. Without some quality saves by Braginton, Sutton would have found themselves behind. G Hales and T Croxford started to turn the attack on and get some through balls to the midfield. Adam Croxford had clearly been taking lessons from his Dad when he danced with the ball down the sideline. With Norey finding some space and driving into the D and M Braginton attempting a diving lunge, there were glimmers of the team that has developed this season. Whilst goal chances from open play were being snuffed out, or sky rocketed by the younger Hales the first came from a short and grit and determination. The straight strike was saved and looked as if it would dawdle off the back line but the potential speed of Norey saw the ball pulled back from the baseline for G Hales to put in the net. Half time 1-0. The second half saw the team begin to take control, they kept possession and Sam Bartlett, Theo Perowne and Ed Hales all left nothing in the tank as they ran from end to end to support the defence and create some chances for Braginton, Norey and White. After a period of pressure the second goal came from a trademark Ian White short corner strike, deflected off a foot or two on the way through to give him the record equalling title of scoring on every Sutton home pitch over the decades ( any guesses for the other player honoured to share the title?) While Sutton had their chances they closed out the game for a 2-0 win. Alfie Braginton was rightly recognised by his team for keeping them in the game in the first half to scoop POM.