Sutton returned to winning ways after a shock cup exit last weekend with a devilish display of determination, thrusting attack and ‘on the money’ defending. Playing downhill first half, Sutton made the most of their fresh legs and desire to return to winning ways by weaving their way through the Rugeley defence like a knife through butter. Frustrated until 8 minutes into the game a stunning, on the halfway line, free kick from Zak curled and spun into the top right hand corner giving their defence and the goalkeeper no chance – 1-0 to the home side!
Sutton continued to push and press with Alex making some breathtaking breaks down the left hand side and Mitchell and Zak receiving the ball only for they and the strikers to be thwarted in front of goal; the cross bar was struck, Will Hussey clipped a superb chip just over the bar and even Zak hit the post but Sutton couldn’t bundle it over the line.
With the whistle blown at half time the concern was would Sutton be able to keep up the pressure and build on their slender lead? With 9 attempts on goal and one winner first half - surely they were not going to let a victory slip through their fingers? Even more of a worry was Sutton, already hampered without Kai Woods was to lose 2 players, Tom Brookes and Will Baker to a swift departure to watch the lunchtime Premiership game between West Bromwich and Wolves. Down to just one substitute could Sutton keep up the pressure?
Second half Rugeley came out fighting and maximised on the downhill slope and fast run of the ball. However they had not allowed for the fresh legs of Matty Birch’s and his dogged tenacity and Nester, now also on, with his height and quick turns who brought a new dimension to the game. Once again the Rugeley goal mouth was under attack. A superb long kick from Zak missed Matty’s head by inches, and Will Hussey and Matty worked and pressed down the right hand side – the passing was pure perfection – but to no avail.
Rugeley pressed forward but could not penetrate and Jacob was there to pick up the ball on more than one occasion as it rolled towards goal. Calum made a fantastic stop with a clearing header after another ‘on the break’ move by Rugeley – it was getting very tense. Another break by Alex ended with him hitting the side netting – was the ball just not going to fall kindly for Sutton? The substitute situation was desperate with Mitchell coming off for Will Hussey and Nester getting injured with a twisted knee moments later requiring Mitchell back on with barely time to breathe.
Another break by Rugeley caused all players and parents to have their hearts in their mouths; with no one left in defence it was just Rugeley against Jacob who bravely came off his line and dived, blocked and stopped a thundering shot with super human effort.
With 4 minutes to go the ball was back up the other end and Zak surged down the right and cracked in a shot into Nester who deftly turned amongst a pack of Rugeley defenders and slipped the ball to Will Hussey who bundled it at short range over the line. 2-0!
The final few minutes were fraught with Rugeley having another few chances and on one occasion knocking the ball just wide of the bar. Zak was brought off with a slight thigh strain and suffering from doing the splits trying to hold onto the ball. No one was going to let this lead slip!
Finally the whistle blew and a cheer went up from the home crowd. Victory was Sutton's and the hard work in the game and at training on Friday had truly paid off.
Man of the Match went deservedly to Alex Rafferty who worked the left side like a Trojan. All players deserved praise – a joy to watch!
Match report by Sarah Shaw
