Having missed the first friendly, this was my first time watching the new players in the newly named team. After a disappointing result in the previous game the players were champing at the bit to show what they could do.
The match began with both sides trying to find their rhythm, but in the 4th minute, the first meaningful attack by Sutton was a useful build up down the right, and Keiran broke into the penalty area and unleashed a powerful shot which was just over the bar.Promising! Southbank responded and earned a corner which was well caught by new keeper Phil (the monk). A minute later, Sutton’s defence was caught flat footed and Southbank broke through to score the first. Sutton were soon on the attack again earning 2 free kicks from 30 yards out, the first being cleared and the second offside. 11 minutes gone and Phil (barn door) Smith contrived to strike the ball so softly from 2 yards out, that a defender was able to clear what will almost certainly be miss the season. Undaunted, Phil continued to work hard and went close on 21. Although behind, Sutton controlled the game, with Southbank content to use their speed to counter attack .In a game of rolling subs, the energetic Andy Dodson came on and immediately injected some urgency into the proceedings. In the 34th minute Sutton finally scored the equaliser with a good build up on the right, leading to Mark’s pinpoint cross to the far post, and James powered through the defence to head in for 1-1. Again Sutton’s defence was caught out and the opposition scored soon after to make it 2-1. A couple more attacks followed but the half ended with no more goals Notable good performances in the first half came from Keiran, Alex and Phil Smith, who seems to have improved his heading skills.
A raft of substitutions were to take place in the second half, with 3 subs starting the second half, Nathan for Phil, Tony for Edgar and Duncan for Ben.
The half started energetically with Nathan quickly making his presence felt with 2 good chances both well saved. With 4 minutes gone, James returned the compliment for Mark, setting him up to score the equaliser.
Duncan Garnett’s introduction brought some stability to the defence, but despite that, Southbank were able to break through and score their third following a poor clearance. Dan Yeoman’s introduction at defensive midfield in the 60th minute was an interesting tactic which might prove to be useful in future. 4 minutes later, the energetic Nathan bustled through the defence to touch the ball through to James, who put the ball away for his second and Sutton’s third.
The match continued with both sides making substitutions. There were a couple of half chances at either end but it seemed that it would peter out as a draw but 4 minutes from time, the overstretched Sutton defence let Southbank in for a 4-3 lead. The match approached the last minute, but the action wasn’t quite over, as Mark had an excellent chance, but shot over the bar when it looked easier to score. The final whistle followed.
Conclusions: 4 defensive mistakes = 4 goals. Other than that the team played well and showed some promise, with some excellent passing phases. Noteworthy performances came from Keiran, Alex, Duncan, Andy, Phil, Mark, Nathan, and man of the match James.
Next Sunday’s friendly against AFC Surrey promises to be an exciting encounter. With the new players in the squad, there will be massive competition to make the starting line up, so let’s see everyone at training on Wednesday.
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Report by Robert
