WIMBLEDON SAINTS V SUTTON NEW TOWN ATHLETIC
5 0
Even before kick off it was obvious that this was going to be a hard day. Wimbledon are new to the league and were an unknown entity. All but 2 players were well over 6 ft, and as the game kicked off they showed they had skill and organisation to go with their physical attributes. They put Sutton under pressure straight away with their first attack off side, but the next two attacks earned them free kicks. In the 4th they had a good shot go wide, but in the 6th minute scored their first. The game continued in the same vein and they scored their 2nd in 11th minute. Sutton were struggling to cope with the opposition’s physicality and organisation. In the 15th minute James had Sutton’s first real chance and earned a corner, but it was cleared. The game continued with Sutton starting to get a bit more ball but their passes were going astray. James had a couple of long balls to chase but the keeper got there first. Wimbledon continued to press, but Sutton kept the score at 2-0 thanks to some good tackles in defence from Tony. In the 28th James had another chance saved by the keeper. A succession of corners for Wimbledon followed but the score remained the same until the 40th minute, when Sutton had a good chance cleared and from the following counter attack Wimbledon got their 3rd. The half played out with little further action.
Sutton started the 2nd half with their best spell of the game with some good passing and control, and keeping the ball on the floor.
The Wimbledon keeper saved a header from Alex, and Dave Henderson and Andy both had shots go wide. Against the run of play Wimbledon scored their 4th after a mix up in the Sutton defence, and within 2 minutes scored another after countering a Sutton attack. Wimbledon were now back on the attack and Monk saved a good shot. Following a couple of corners Wimbledon earned a penalty but this was well saved by Monk. In the 57th minute Conor came on for Ben, and his height and strength were a positive for Sutton. John Edgar came on for Keiran in the 65th minute and his energy was also a plus. Michael came on for Dave in the 75th. The game settled into a more even affair with Alex and Tony having shots saved before the match petered out.
Sutton can take some positives and learn from this game. On this performance Wimbledon are far too good for this league so Sutton need not be too downhearted with the result. The Sutton team cannot all grow to 6ft3 overnight, but they can learn from Wimbledon that keeping your shape, being composed on the ball and picking your passes will improve their game. Another lesson is to keep the ball on the floor if the opposition are winning every header. Roll on next Sunday
Report by Robert
