It was a top of the table clash, Sutton lying second against the only unbeaten team in the league Burntwood. The previous encounters had all been tight affairs with honours about even so it paved the way for an interesting game.
Both teams from the off looked well organised but it was Burntwood who started the brighter quickly finding their rhythm and within the opening minutes fired a chance just wide. Sutton immediately new they were in a game as Burntwood look lively going forward. But typical of this Sutton team they gritted their teeth, raised their game and started to win those 50-50 balls. The boys were working hard, hunting in packs trying to get their passing game together as they started to press forward and create chances for themselves. But as the game started to open up Burntwood were looking to catch Sutton on the break and in the 10 minute drew first blood, nicking a goal from a goalmouth scramble, 0-1. Sutton were down but not out and were well in contention in this game. If anything the goal seemed to lift the Sutton boys. Kai Woods led the team into battle with some determined running and tackles, playmakers Zak and Mitch started to find a little more space and room to impose themselves in the midfield. Hussey and Alex were starting to break down the wings and clearer chances started to appear and Tom B keeping the backline watertight. The momentum was building as Zak drilled a low ball on goal, Kai shooting just wide, the pressure started to build and in the 16th minute Sutton got what they deserved and leveled the game. It was from another break down the wing with Burntwood stretched the ball was pulled back to Kai who took one, two touches and bang in the back of the net. The place erupted Kai Woods ran half the length of the filled with the biggest smile of the day. The parents were a bit happy too. Game on.
It was an enthralling encounter and one we all looked forward to seeing how the second half would unfold. It started like the first, both teams had the quality to hurt each other and both were commitment to winning the ball. It was finely balanced, one minute it was Sutton in the ascendancy then Burntwood. It was a tense but the lads kept their heads, I think more than the parents at times as they roared their kids on. It was honours even it seemed but as the game started to reach the latter stages Burntwood bagged the winner. A low ball came across and the penalty box with the ball scrambled home. You could tell from the way Burntwood celebrated that it was sheer relief as they’d probably not been pushed this hard all season. To the boys credit and their strength in character their heads never went down and continued to soldier on. Unfortunately they couldn’t find the net again and narrowly lost. It was a tremendous encounter and each player deserved high praise for their committed effort. A draw would of been a fair result but Sutton can take heart that they pushed the leaders all the way and were more than a match for them. I think we all will be looking forward to this fixture again.
MOM: Kai Woods again was superb. A great engine, up and down the pitch, winning everything and scoring a dream goal.
