MATCH REPORT

Long Sutton Bag The Points From A Closely Contested Local Derby!

This fixture proved to be a classic end to end affair with both sides committed to play on the offensive. Long Sutton started particularly well and threatened several times before taking the lead on 13 minutes with the goal coming from their second short corner of the game. The ball from the short was moved slickly between Sarah Walker, Fiona Gray and Hannah Greenacre before falling to Lisa Baker who made no mistake from close range. Spalding fought back into the half and went close when a shot was deflected narrowly away from the Sutton goal for a long corner. Tamika Providence for Spalding kept tantalising the Long Sutton defence and, following good work through the Spalding midfield, Lorraine Wallis in the Sutton goal was called upon to make  two outstanding saves to protect Sutton's slender lead.

The second half continued to be played at high tempo but with Long Sutton having the better of the chances from open play; Captain Leanne Woodhead found space many times following determined work in midfield by Sarah Walker and Charlie Leuty, who combined well to break up any Spalding attacks and keeping the pressure towards the Spalding goal. During a very good spell for Long Sutton, Woodhead sprayed the ball across the Spalding goal several times but Louise Southgate, Gray, Becky Kierman and Walker all just failed to capitalise from their chances. Long Sutton really needed the second goal to settle the score and at only one down Spalding began to sense an opportunity to snatch at least a point. With just seven minutes remaining Spalding had Sutton on the back foot and from a series of short corners it looked increasingly like the points might be shared. However the Sutton defence was in no mood to give anything away and stood firm with outstanding performances throughout the afternoon by Jess Hudson, Gemma Parr, Tania White and Rachael Gadsden and whilst Wallis in the Sutton goal had to stay on her toes right to the end to ensure the victory for Long Sutton. To both teams credit the game was played in a cordial respectful spirit.  Long Sutton Player of the Match for a determined and menacing performance throughout was Charlie Leuty. 

Report by Martin Hudson