Meeting Beacon Colts, second in the Table and the team that beat Sutton in the Cup Final just 7 days ago, was enough to set the nerves jangling and keep the tension up – and that was just in the warm up before the start of the game!
It wasn’t quite déjà vu with Sutton putting up a really comprehensive and solid performance from start to finish however the result was the same which was frustrating and disappointing for the boys who really wanted to end the season on a high note with a win at home – but it was not meant to be.
Both teams started very strongly and once again the passing capability and technical competence from Sutton was a delight to watch. Good passing play between Alex, Mitch and Zak should have resulted in a shot on target but it slipped just wide by Mitchell as he slid towards the goal post at pace. A super pass from Zak a few minutes later had Nesta sniffing at the goalmouth but again the ball brushed the wrong side of the post. Alex kept collecting the ball and taking it wide, passing to Mitchell who moved to cross to Zak or Nesta but Beacon Colts read the play and managed to break up the rhythm of Sutton’s passing much as they had done last weekend. Kai was strong defensively and Tom made some much needed tackles to prevent Colts capitalising on any movement they put together. The first half ended with a number of injuries to 3 of Colts players and then Zak being whacked in the nose by a Colt boot (the shiner is developing nicely). Tears all round – still 0-0…
Matty came on in the second half and worked hard down the right side and all the boys showed a lot of purpose and desire. Despite now pushing uphill they appeared to play with more pace and passing accuracy and we started to dream the dream. Zak had a free kick which floated just over the bar and the momentum appeared to be with Sutton. In a blink of an eye the ball was being threaded by Beacon Colts into the Sutton penalty area and a fierce shot was parried wide by Jacob. Minutes later Jacob repeated the feat having to stretch and push the ball wide of the bar with his fingertips once more. Another onslaught forced Zak to make a double headed save. The worrying signs were there. A great corner from Beacon Colts swung into the goalmouth and this time best efforts from Jacob just could not keep it out – 0-1.
Sutton responded and twice Nesta had the opportunity to level the match from a cross by Zak and a corner from Will Hussey but the ball went tantalisingly wide. Baker came on for Nesta but it was proving hard for the midfield to get the ball to him as Beacon Colts kept their cool and their heads and pressed again. Jacob was forced to make another close shot save – and another and then further relief when they cracked the post and failed to convert. Sutton’s top goal scorer, Zak, failed to add to his tally from a long range free kick and Mitchell had the same opportunity with a minute to go with the same outcome. The whistle blew and the game finished with just one goal between the two teams but 3 points to the visitors.
MOM was Jacob whose fingertips had to reach almost as far as his grin on 4 occasions – well done lad!
After the game Guy remarked on a fantastic season with the boys having trained hard, played brilliantly and given 100%. He said he was really proud of them. He thanked the parents who have stood in the wind, rain and sunshine and described us as ‘fantastic’ (if he hadn’t said that I would have in this report!!). He thanked all those parents who contributed to the organisation of the team which includes linesman, nets erector, cones lady Ellie and others I will add which include Paul Brookes who has really put together and managed a fabulous website plus the match reporters Shawsy and Brookesy.
The two tournaments and Presentation Evening to look forward to now!
Match Report: Sarah Shaw
