MATCH REPORT

A 4.20pm start in the big city under floodlights was a new experience for many young Sutton players.  Sutton  started well and played some attractive pass and move hockey  with great attacking moves down the right.  Harry Thorpe and Adam Sisson  pressurised the home keeper but failed to convert.

Peterborough's  young side also passed the ball well and both sides were evenly matched, with attacking play at both ends of the pitch. Bishop, Worth, and Smith Snr. defended well, but a harsh decision for an unwitting infringement on the 25 yard line awarded a short corner against Sutton. Peterborough took the opportunity and a well struck shot past goalkeeper Slator deflected off two defenders and into the goal.

Sutton continued to press forward and a well timed pass up field  from Matt King was pounced upon by  Ed White with a first time slap onto the net for the equaliser just before half time.

In the second half both teams began to tire and started to play a long ball game. Gaps opened up in the Sutton defence and a well struck ball into the D caught the defence napping .  It was skilfully deflected from a reverse stick at full stretch to ricochet off Slator's pads into the goal to give Peterborough a 2-1 lead.

Sutton's commitment to attack  was well demonstrated by a Jack Smith tackle that led to his knee injury and substitution.  Man of the match and Vice Captain  Nick Worth pushed forward into midfield to support the Sutton attack but the Peterborough defence held solid.

 Both sides were praised by the Umpires for their playing spirit, discipline and skill but crucially Peterborough came away with the points.

Report by Albert Slator.