MATCH REPORT

NOT A GAME FOR THE PURIST! 
 
This fixture was unlikely to be a high skilled game and so it proved. Long Sutton started well and had the better of the early exchanges, moving the ball around swiftly with Captain Leanne Woodhead, Charlie Leuty, Hannah Greenacre and Sarah Walker linking together well. At 22 minutes Long Sutton were rewarded when Sarah Walker weaved through Alfords defence and slotted home - advantage Long Sutton. Sutton had a great chance to increase their lead when the usually highly dependable Woodhead miscued with a one on one chance on goal. Alford stuck to their game plan and slowly got themselves back in contention forcing the Sutton defence and particularly keeper Lorraine Wallis to work hard to retain their slender lead. After several menacing runs Alford struck just before half time to level the score.

The second half degenerated  to a more scrappy affair with the umpires probably tolerating more than they should have done as sticks cracked on numerous occasions. Long Sutton dug in but the short corner count by this stage was weighted in Alfords favour and only smart defending and several fine saves from Lorraine Wallis kept the scores level. Sutton fought back into the game and threatened to take all the points but like in the first half a golden chance went begging this time Lisa Baker fluffing her lines on a one to one chance against the Alford goal. Sarah Walker, Lisa Baker and Fiona Gray all went close to snatching it but Alfords goal continued to enjoy a charmed life! Jeorgia Carr who had a fine fearless game did get the ball into the Alford goal but the umpire had already committed a short corner to the home sides disappointment.  

Honours shared was a fair reflection of the game which leaves Alford second in the league but Sutton just behind in fourth after three games with Sutton remaining unbeaten. Player of the match for Long Sutton was given to Fiona Gray who worked tirelessly throughout.

Report by Martin Hudson