Sutton needed to bounce back from an unsettling and unhappy loss to Colron last week and they knew the best way to achieve this was to deliver a team performance of the highest calibre. Having watched England the night before dig deep against a Spanish side with an abundance of passing capability - could Sutton get that win and deliver the passing play? With a start delayed by a 1 minute silence for Remembrance Sunday our boys began brightly with Will Hussey in seconds taking the ball swiftly down the right side and forcing a defensive flick to win Sutton's first of 9 corners of the match. A sure footed swipe took the ball on line straight between the posts with a glancing header from Alex delivering the ball just over the bar. The next 14 minutes were virtually all Sutton, Zak pushing forward and working the ball from midfield to Alex who again headed just over the bar. Again Zak muscled the ball forward pushing upfield with some slick and deft feints as he passed several Lichfield defenders; a great pass to Calum led to a super attempt which again was just wide of the woodwork. Sutton continued to press with Zak taking the ball upfield and crossing to Will Hussey who kneed the ball - again just over the bar. Finally Lichfield got their first break and a great block by Calum stopped a corner from heading goalbound. Will Hussey continued to dominate the right side of the field and another corner taken by him forced a glancing header from Zak - but again just wide. The play continued in the same vein, Sutton attack - Lichfield block - Sutton Corner - the ball either bundled away by Lichfield or delivered frustratingly wide of goal or into the goalkeeper's hands. Kai and Mitchell worked well and hard to keep the ball from getting much beyond the half way line for Lichfield most of the first half and the break finally came in the 14th minute for Sutton with super work from Kai to get the ball to Zak who did a clever Ranaldo chop pass to Tom who took the ball up the left of the field hitting a Lichfield defender and forcing a corner. The ball came out to Zak who crossed it to Mitch who powered his shot home - goal! Further chances before half time included a free kick from Mitchell, having been heavily slide tackled 20 yards out, and another great run from Tom up the left who held the ball just a fraction too long, running out of pitch before able to pass. The second half saw Lichfield start to press but Sutton nullified chances with good defensive blocks from Tom, Kai and Zak. The game became a procession of throw ins from Lichfield as they tried to work down the line but they failed to capitalise on the few chances offered. Matty, on for Will Hussey fought bravely to take the ball forward but was nullified again by what was proving to be a strong defensive pairing by the opposition. Still Sutton pressed and Will Baker in front of goal clipped the ball a little high to sail it over the bar. Kai hit the side netting, Nester now on also worked the ball forward but the side netting claimed another attempt. Jacob was solid but was under little pressure, their goalkeeper certainly had more work to do. Sutton did not want to rely on a 1 goal cushion and pushed forwards - sometimes at great expense - but Calum fought hard and bravely - on several occasions finding himself 1 against 3 as Sutton had over committed themselves going forward. The whistle came and the margin was slim - Sutton had more of the possession (like Spain) and a lot of the flair and technique but like England snatched the only goal of the game to give Suttons Guys the 3 points so richly deserved.
