MATCH REPORT

Long Sutton Ladies enjoy the double over local rivals!
 
Long Sutton Ladies 1sts took the points in this local derby against neighbours Spalding earning their second double victory of the season and in so doing Long Sutton completed their sixth shut out of the season. Sutton have the tightest defence in the league having conceded only 12 goals so far this season - which is great testimony to a solid defence and defensive midfield but also in no small part down to another excellent goal keeping performance by top keeper Lorraine Wallis.  
 
Both sides competed strongly from the start but with both teams equally guilty of hasty rushed play which all too often saw possession gifted to and from each other and with neither side building any fluidity in their game. Spalding enjoyed a better spell after 15 minutes and pressed hard but were foiled by a determined back four of Tania White, Sally Cade, Gemma Parr and Rachael Gadsden. After a good ten minute spell for Spalding Long Sutton started to hit back and through good combinations in midfield made by Louise Southgate, Charlie Leuty and Sarah Walker created chances for both Leanne Woodhead and Lisa Baker who fired several great shots on target but Spalding's keeper Rebecca Warr was equal to every attempt at goal. Long Sutton continued to threaten up and to half time looking the fitter team and with the initative but frustratingly they could not find the breakthrough.
 
The second half started well for Long Sutton who could sense their opportunity as they began playing really intelligent and more expansive hockey with Hannah Greenacre and Jess Hudson providing good width on both flanks which soon stretched the visiting Spalding team. It felt just a matter of time and on 12 minutes into the second half Sutton made the breakthrough from a short corner which ended with three goal line clearances before Louise Southgate pounced from close in to force the ball on to the Spalding back board for 1 nil to Long Sutton Ladies 1sts. 
 
Spalding picked themselves up and made their own chances but what penetrated the Sutton defence was dealt with competently by keeper Wallis. While the game stayed in the balance and with Spalding continuing to play well the home supporters chewed on their finger nails! But with 13 minutes remaining any nerves were settled when Sutton broke down the right and with Captain Leanne Woodhead neatly passing wide to Hannah Greenacre who put a peach of a pass across goal to find Jess Hudson who had created good movement and space to confidently fire the ball home at the far post to make it 2 nil Sutton.  
 
Spalding made changes pulling off their keeper to go with an extra outfield player and as their last roll of the dice, but this plan failed as Sutton threatened a further goal but were denied by some very solid defending to keep the score to 2 nil. Player of the match was Jessica Hudson. The second half for Long Sutton was one of the best periods this season and this is the form Sutton will need to take into Saturday when they travel to league leaders Letchworth.

Report by Martin Hudson