Mens 1st XI vs Cambridge 1

Sutton keep unbeaten 2025 streak going!

Sutton welcomed Cambridge to HQ this week as they welcomed Will Taylor back to the side whilst losing Gray, Baguley and East. The 12 man squad were still positive of a result however. And the positivity would pay off. Early in the game, Sutton pressure caught Cambridge slacking who were enjoying getting caught up in the heat of the game with the umpires. A turnover out wide from Ibrahim was crucial as he found Baker free on the 23 who, with a first time pass, sliced open the Cambridge defence to find Batten who slotted home round the Cambridge keeper. 1-0. Sutton were not done there. More chances arose with Sargeant, Fyson and Taylor all coming close but good work from Taylor around the goal mouth gifted a chance to Baker to slam home on the backhand.

Cambridge were struggling and on another day, Sutton could have perhaps converted 1 or 2 more. The defence were putting in incredible efforts as always. They, deservedly so, get their plaudits every week in these reports and this weekend was no different. Oldfield, Fox, Harrison and Proctor were super once more with Cliff being on just as top form as his 4 merry men. It was their hard work that had helped Sutton a 2 goal lead at half time and that meant making it through 175 minutes of hockey and only conceding 2 goals!

The second half saw the Cambridge storm hit the greens hard. Cambridge pressed very high with great strength, organisation and discipline. The next 35 minutes were a real test for the home side. Halfway through a very clever goal was deflected in from the travelling side to reduce the deficit to just 1. The clock ticked into single digits but this was enough time for Cambridge to equalise and enter squeaky bum time. Sutton stayed strong and saw the game out. It may have felt like 2 points lost but a draw against one of the leagues top sides was still a brilliant result and the lads remained unbeaten in 2025 and kept hold of their 8th place position.