Streatham Stanley Reserves v Sutton New Town Athletic
1 2
At 9 o’clock Sunday morning, this did not look a likely victory, with 3 expected starters missing, a few hangovers and one half fit keeper. The match started in a cagey manner, but the first attack by Streatham led to a corner which was caught by the keeper. For the next few minutes very little happened until an excellent long throw by Andy went across the goalmouth being missed by all including the Streatham keeper. In the 11th minute a Streatham player handled the ball 25 yards out. The free kick was taken by Andy and his excellent dipping strike was misjudged by the keeper, and Sutton had their first league goal of the season. 2 minutes later the first real scare for Sutton came as Streatham had a corner, but it was well saved by Preston. Streatham were awarded a couple of soft free kicks but nothing came of them.
Sutton were now starting to get into their stride with some of the best passing and movement seen this season.
Phil and Keiran were starting to prove a handful for the defence, and following some good movement from Phil, Keiran showed his ball skills by dribbling into space in the area and scored Sutton’s second with his curling shot from 18 yards.
Streatham responded with an attack and won a free kick on the edge of the box. The well struck kick was tipped over the bar by Preston. The following corner flew harmlessly over. On 26 Phil had his first clear shot at goal but it went wide. In the next 10 minutes a succession of free kicks to both sides led to nothing. Streatham were trying to up the pressure but the defensive training by Sutton’s coach Chuck was starting to bear fruit. The defence and midfield kept tight allowing little opportunity for Streatham to get back into the game. 5 minutes before half time Keiran was surrounded by defenders, but his exquisite turn and backheel left the defenders for dead, and set Andy up for a good chance but he slightly over ran the ball for it to go out for a goal kick.
Half time and Sutton lead 2-0. Job half done.
The second half got under way with a couple of half chances for Phil and Edgar, followed by another good chance for Keiran but he was flagged offside. The match continued with more possession for Streatham, but Sutton’s defence held firm. In the 60th minute Dave Henderson came on for the hard working Michael, who along with Aaron had kept Streatham’s quick left winger quiet.
Soon after Streatham had a good chance hit the post. Other than that Sutton’s defence remained strong. On 67 Duncan came on for Dan to add some fresh legs and composure.
A couple of minutes later, for the only time in the match, Sutton’s defence was split and Streatham scored with a strong header.
Streatham pushed for the equaliser, but Sutton resisted, and started to take the initiative, with further chances for Keiran and Phil. With 8 minutes to go Streatham had one more chance but it went over the bar. The hard working John Edgar was replaced by Robin on 83, and Sutton continued to press with a Henderson shot going wide, and a couple more half chances for Robin and Phil.
In the last minute, Phil had a good chance to open his account but his shot was saved. The ref blew for full time, and Sutton had their first points of the season.
This was an important result for Sutton, and credit must go to Chuck who through his midweek training regimes has now organised the defence into a tight unit. A few names are worthy of special mention. Alex and Andy , for doing what they do every week, Bas for marshalling the defence, Phil for his best game for the team, at last using his physical attributes to their full, and Keiran, who not only has skill but works hard for the team. Roll on next Sunday!
Report by Robert
