SUTTON NEW TOWN ATHLETIC v KEW ANTIGUA RESERVES
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The game began with Sutton looking a bit nervous, conceding a couple of corners in the first few minutes, which resulted in a good save by Dan followed by a header going wide. Sutton’s first chance came in the 4th minute with Alex shooting over the bar following Luke’s free kick. A counter attack by Kew won them another corner, which resulted in a trademark mix up in the box and Kew opened the scoring. The game continued with Kew mostly on top, and in the 12th scored again following another goalmouth melee after another corner. This looked like another rout on the cards, but Sutton began to get some control in their game and started to press with a series of half chances falling to Robin, Luke and Phil. Towards the end of the half Kew started to get back in control, but the last move of the half led to Andy having a shot go wide.
Sutton began the second half with a bit more purpose with Dave Henderson hitting a soft shot after a good build up. After taking a heavy knock he had to come off and was replaced by new player James Campbell. The game continued with neither side making much headway. On 66, Sutton made a double substitution of Keiran for the hard working Andy, and Jon for Robin. Soon after Kew had a good chance ruled out for offside.
The 3 subs started to influence the game more, with a couple of half chances falling to Phil. In the 78th minute, Sutton produced their best goal of the season, with Keiran battling to win the ball in his own half and passing to Michael, who then cut through the midfield and made an inch perfect pass to Phil on the edge of the area, who took a touch and slammed his shot into the back of the net. For the final few minutes Kew were hanging on, and in the end were lucky to escape with a win.
After some poor results this felt like a win. The introduction
of Campbell and man of the match Warwick to the team, together with good performances from the the whole team
gives some hope that a corner has been turned
Report by Robert