Today we welcomed Sutton United looking for back-to-back wins, albeit 3 weeks since we last met.
Although Sutton are the divisions bottom side, they gave us a scare last time so we fully expected another tough encounter, which indeed it was, especially in the first half.
The game started lively with Sutton happy to attack in numbers, but our back 5 kept them at arms reach and they couldn’t create anything of note. Hampton almost got on the scoreboard when a good ball from Jack sent Rushy down the wing, and he crossed for Omar who connected really well on the volley but it just went wide. Hampton would have 4/5 similar attacks but we couldn’t trouble the keeper enough and it was becoming a little frustrating for all involved, especially when Sutton were battling hard with their back-line holding strong. Rushy & Fin both went close but again off target. Then came a moment which would’ve been goal of the season without a doubt, when Jack picked up the ball in his own half and showed off all his best tricks to weave in and out of traffic, beating 5/6 Sutton players until eventually finding himself inside the Sutton box on the right hand side, when he cracked a strike that bounced off the bar and over. It pretty much summed up the half at that point, and the lads were left wondering what they had to do to score! Half time, 0-0.
Having spoke to the lads at half time, the feeling was positive and we had to stick with it without panicking.
Luckily, we didn’t have to wait too long for the first goal, as 2 minutes in there was a scramble in the box where Harry got involved and the ball eventually fell to Jack on the edge of the box who smashed home. 1-0. We had to wait another 10 minutes for the second goal, but I don’t think anyone could say it wasn’t deserved, Jack again involved when playing in Rushy who made no mistake, 2-0. 2 was soon 3, when Jack whipped a corner and Rayyan was on hand to flick home on the front post. Sutton’s resistance was finally broken at this point, and their hard work unravelled in front of them. Rayyan, in typical fashion, battled his way into the box and forced the foul, winning a penalty for the 3rd/4th time this season. Harry stepped up for this one and calmly slotted home. 4-0. The icing was on the cake when Oscar picked a lovely weighted pass which cut through the wavering Sutton defence, where Rapid Rushy was on hand to slot home and cap off a hard-earned victory, propelling us back into 2nd spot.
It was harsh on Sutton, who battled hard and should be proud of their efforts, but it’s great to see our boys stick to the job and be confident enough to know that if we keep at it, the rewards will come.
Everyone played their part today, with some solid performances all over the pitch.
Some outstanding performances to mention though, Josh M, JP & Kielan were rock-solid in that back line. Rayyan was a little terrier in the middle and must have won every battle he went into, notching himself a goal and winning the penalty, and Jack was again simply outstanding from an attacking perspective today, grabbing our 1st goal and a couple of assists, I told him if he scored that goal that hit the bar I’d have had no choice but award him MOTM. However, credit where it’s due and a different name stepped up today, grabbing himself an assist and goal, battling hard along the way and thoroughly deserving MOTM this week, Harry Roberts, well done mate.
3 games to go now, starting next week away at Walmley.
Keep it up boys!!
UTR
??
