Whether a comfortable victory over one of the Lichfield District League’s perennial stragglers can be considered vindication for the loss to Burntwood Dragons last week is a matter for debate, but in these straightened times Players, Parents and the Coach will take a slice of very good news indeed. Goals by Zak Shaw, Will Hussey and Nesta Bailey before half time brought not only relief but true belief that playing from right to left first half at home does not have to be the uphill struggle some recent games have led us to believe.
Man of the Match Will Baker with one of his first league starts earned the conviction of the Manager by running fluidly with the ball and being stalwart when under attack – superbly nut-megging on one break to beat the opposition fair and square. Kai was a pulsating livewire until taken off in the second half after aggravating an injury and was both combative and dynamic in defence. Will Hussey broke on numerous occasions down the right wing, controlling the ball and dancing past the opposition (a contender for Strictly with those quick steps) dribbling and deft darting passing with consummate ease.
Zak and Calum worked well in the early stages of the first half with copious opportunities being thwarted early doors by flailing good fortune for Holy Name.
Holy Name’s defence were run ragged and it was only going to be a matter of time before Sutton took the lead with their overpowering control of the game early doors. On the 16th minute and with the home side building pressure in attack, Zak showed a lovely piece of individual skill (he didn’t half enjoy those stylish back heel flicks) following two quick passes from Mitchell and Will Hussey before Zak powered a shot with a right foot strike, between two defenders, and into the net – Goal One!
Holy Name had no time to dust themselves down before Sutton were on the break again. Some delightful passing between Zak and Will Hussey led to a superb cross which Nester volleyed fiercely into the back of the net just 2 minutes later – Goal Two!
Like buses the third goal came along – again - just two minutes later; Will Hussey dummied two of Holy Name’s defence and hit a cracker high which curled into the top left corner – the keeper had no chance! After the match Hussey modestly attempted to say he was just trying to cross the ball but we all knew different – Goal Three!
The second half saw the manager mix it up, taking Zak off and pushing Tom up into midfield with Mattie dominating the wing and making a number of critical runs with the ball. Lots of good pressing play and flair from Mitchell and Kai had the goalkeeper stretched and pressed but the door to the back of the net remained firmly closed in the second half for the next 18 minutes. Teams will take goals however they come and again with Holy Name’s box full of Sutton players striving for a conclusive delivery Holy Name’s number 3 slid the ball by the legs of his own keeper. Goal 4.
Jacob had to make two good saves in the second half when Sutton got caught on the break – both being palmed over the bar - but otherwise was little troubled.
With Zak back on the last two minutes saw two more incredible saves by the Holy Name’s keeper – both from smacking shots by Will Hussey although a superb cross from Alex just skimmed past Mattie’s despairing and outstretched boot making a Holy Name save unnecessary this time round.
After the match the Manager praised all the players for their passing and attacking football. Our response was a huge round of applause. No amount of mud and wind was going to detract from a stunning and mighty ‘bounce back’ display of football by Sutton!
By Sarah Shaw
