MATCH REPORT

 MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

St Neots 2nd XI 0 - 3 Long Sutton 2nd XI

Long Sutton 2nd XI secured promotion from Div 4NW with an accomplished display. Going into the game knowing a win would see them home, the fluid hockey of the previous week did not return against a St Neots side intent on defending. Sutton encamped in the oppositions half, for once, were failing to put their chances away with Dan Batten narrowly missing out on opening the scoring. As the half progressed frustrations began to show, as the team did not appear to be getting the rub of green on several occasions and Sutton went into half time with the scores all level.

Following a stirring half time team talk from captain Matt Holmes, Sutton began the second half with more focus and composure. It wasn't long before their constant pressure paid off with Nick Bailey finishing of a good short corner routine following another great pass from man of the match and playmaker extraordinaire Jeremy Watt. Following the opening goal Sutton relaxed and won short corner after short corner. It was from one of these that Ben Shore found himself on the score sheet with a clinical finish. With minutes remaining Bailey found his strike partner Shore who greatfully flicked the ball into the empty net. At the final whistle huge a sigh of relief was felt by all as the team had achieved their aspirations of promotion.

After the match Captain Holmes commented ' Though the game was a bit scrappy in places, we did what we set out to do. We still have 3 games left and a chance of winning the league, I'm sure the guys will be up for the challenge based on today's performance'

Report by Nick Bailey