MATCH REPORT

Long Sutton Ladies 1sts won their final game of the 2013/14 season against Bourne & Deeping and in so doing achieved their third double of the season. Long Sutton knew that to secure fourth place then nothing less than a win would do and at the same time any slip on the day then their final position would have hung in the balance a further week until Shefford and Sandy with a game in hand would complete their fixtures; but as a consequence of Suttons win, no such wait is necessary and we can celebrate a good respectable fourth placing out of a tough league - well done to the entire squad!
 
So back to the game and, although the score line defines a win by the narrowest of margins, the game itself was a different story. Sutton in the main bossed the game through a well disciplined team performance played at a very high tempo. Long Sutton started well against a Bourne Deeping side who shaped up in a defensive system clearly aimed at survival and this made it difficult for Sutton to penetrate the heavily manned defence and defensive midfield. Soon into the game unfortunately Sutton lost the services of Louise Southgate who had to withdraw through injury. Suttons first opportunity came as Jeorgia Carr dribbled with pace through the middle and forced a short corner which was subsequently blocked away. Soon after, Leanne Woodhead went close as did Sarah Walker and then after Lisa Baker missed from close range it was becoming clear the fine kitty for goal avoidance would swell more or less every five minutes! However whilst Sutton continued to look comfortable it was not without incidence on the home goal as Sutton keeper Lorraine Wallis was called upon to make several smart saves from the occasional Bourne & Deeping attacking raids, that otherwise were all being well managed by the combination at the back of Rachael Gadsden, Gemma Parr, Sally Cade and ever present Jess Hudson who had played in every league game of this season. In midfield, Walker, Charlie Leuty and Tania White linked well and pressed forward sensibly as Hannah Greenacre provided good width on the right.