MATCH REPORT

LONG SUTTON LADIES 1st TEAM UNDONE BY CLINICAL FINISHING.

Lorraine Wallis in the Long Sutton goal needed to be in top form to keep a skilful and industrious St Ives team from running riot. St Ives have spent most of the season in the top four and were for a short time second in the league which supports their all round team ability. The first half saw Sutton create chances which sadly came to nothing before St Ives took the lead after Claire Bannerman touched in a sharp accurate cross at the far post, giving Wallis no chance. St Ives continued to mount the pressure but Sutton looked good playing well through the midfield and with some tireless running from Jinx Walker, Louise Southgate, Hannah Greenacre and upfront Leanne Woodhead and young Jeorgia Carr.

At the back Sutton defended staunchly with Tania White, Jess Hudson, Sally Cade and Captain Gemma Parr in no mood to give anything away. For the second half Sutton needed to press for goals mindful this was a must win match, in their ambition they were out done by three good second half goals, the first to make the score 2 nil to St Ives, followed a short corner converted by Emma Sullivan, who then went on to score her second of the game as Sutton committed forward, Sullivan finding herself clear 20 metres from goal to run free and finally fire the ball past the advancing Wallis, in the Sutton goal. Claire Pateman made it a miserable game for Long Sutton by notching the fourth of the afternoon. Long Sutton had been forced into early substitutions with Kate Ireland having to leave the pitch due to sickness but subs Helen Worth and Lisa Baker both played their part on a very challenging afternoon.

Sadly the defeat all but mathematically leaves Long Sutton relegated in fourth from bottom spot; so short of a miracle scoring feast against top of the league Harleston Magpies at Home on the 6th of April then Long Sutton Ladies first team will have to fight next season to return to East division one North at he first opportunity.

Long Sutton to their credit should take heart from the youth side of the club; with talented players being nurtured over the season who will all have gained from the experience, and no doubt be pushing for regular places in the coming season. Katie Ireland, Hannah Grreenacre, Laura Temple Emma Howell and Jeorgia Carr have all impressed which bodes well for the future.

Long Sutton Ladies firsts player of the match against St Ives was Lorraine Wallis who pulled off a number of excellent saves.

Report by Martin Hudson.