MATCH REPORT

HEAVY DEFEAT!
 
Long Sutton Ladies 1sts travelled to Bedford to face high flying Bedford Ladies 2nds who had a week earlier secured promotion but still had much to play for as there remained  an outside chance of them going up as champions of  the East NW2 league.  
 
On the day, did Bedford deserve to win? of course yes, was the winning margin a fair reflection of play? yes, but did Sutton put up a fight and leave the field with their pride intact? most certainly yes. Sutton travelled with only 11 players and had to field a weakened team with experienced players such as Captain Leanne Woodhead, Sally Cade and Sarah Walker unavailable and despite young Jeorgia Carr and debutant Leah Goodley putting in very good performances Sutton would always find the going tough on a warm day, with only 11 players and against such quality opposition. 
 
Long Sutton started well but on 7 minutes Sutton's keeper Lorraine Wallis was called on to make a fine double save to keep Bedford out. Bedford were finding their stride and despite determined defending they took the lead on 12 minutes through Becca Downing-Homes. Bedford kept their foot on the gas and increased their lead through a fine goal scored by Anna Heaton. Soon after Bedford went three up from a great strike by Steph Holyoak.
 
Credit to Long Sutton though as they stuck to their game plan and fought back with 10 minutes of the first half remaining,  they had pegged Bedford back in their own half and from a fine overlap by Jess Hudson they forced a short corner which was taken smartly and struck well by Tania White who's effort was blocked but with the ball falling to Fiona Gray who scored from close range to give Sutton some hope.
 
Three one down at half time and Sutton would  need something very special in the second half but clearly Bedford had a different plan! In the corresponding fixture earlier in the season Long Sutton had stalled Bedford's title charge with a well earned draw and it appeared this was in the minds of Bedford as they put Sutton to the sword in the second half. Krista Hopkinson did the damage with a second half hat-trick all of which were quality goals and giving Wallis and the Sutton defence no chance.
 
Lorraine Wallis had a great game in the Sutton goal acrobatically keeping Bedford at bay and using her boot to great effect as ever, Lisa Baker worked hard up front with Jeorgia Carr battling well on the wing, Leah Goodley in her first game at this level did very well. Charlie Leuty, Louise Southgate and Fiona Gray worked well in midfield, Rachael Gadsden had a particularly busy afternoon having  to keep Bedford's top striker Holyoak under control, Tania White and Jess Hudson covered a lot of pitch between them - but the best performance of the afternoon came from rock of defence and stand in Captain for the day, Gemma Parr - who was Long Sutton's player of the match. 
 
Long Sutton ladies 1sts play their final game of the season next Saturday at home against Bourne & Deeping, push back 14.30hrs.

Report by Martin Hudson.