Sutton United beat Rugeley Rangers in a convincingly one sided affair to start 2012 on the same high they left 2011. Nester Bailey and Zak Shaw did the business but there was sufficient onslaught on the Rugeley goalmouth to leave spectators wondering why the tally was not nearer a half dozen by the end to the travelling side.
This score line was even more admirable with Alex Rafferty and Mitchell Price sharing each half in goal – keeping a clean sheet – with Jacob undergoing vital back treatment – get better soon Ellis!
Will Hussey started so brightly we were blinded more by his brilliance on the right wing than the early morning wintry sun. A quick pass to Zak saw a volley go over the bar – early indications of what was to come. Excellent work by Tom saw more pressure on goal – the activity by Sutton in the goalmouth was insistent and persistent – but for almost all of the first half yielded nothing but sighs of frustration by Sutton fans at the goalless score. Mitchell worked several decent long range shots, Nester parried the ball at close range and great passing work was achieved particularly by Will Hussey, Alex, Zak and a stalwart Matty Birch playing on the left (substitution for Tom). Any time there was a pick up of the ball by Rugeley, Kai was breaking down their attack as easily as removing candy from a baby. Any balls that got within range of Alex in goal where comfortable low shots he was able to pick up with little trouble.
The break finally came on 18 minutes with a floating long ball from Zak which tantalisingly crossed the line (at least to those close by) but was parried out by the goalkeeper only to be kissed home by Nester to make sure of the opening goal.
The second half started just as vibrantly with both Alex and Zak putting in superb crosses and Nester and Matty just not being able to put the ball away despite some valiant efforts. At one point Alex almost headed into goal with the keeper pushing the ball away and Kai heading in a second time only for a Rugeley defender desperately heading off the line - heady stuff!
The second goal, six minutes into the second half was a penalty – the result of handball which had actually tipped the ball into the Rugeley net but the referee, having blown his whistle before the ball crossed the line, adjudged a penalty to Sutton was the right course of action. Zak stepped up and blasted the ball which hit the back of the net before anyone even saw it move – only Superman would have stopped that speeding bullet!
Further substitutions in the second half saw Hussey and Zak off and Calum and Will Baker on with Matty moving into Centre Midfield position. The pressure remained all on Rugeley with Mitchell only getting a touch on the ball as keeper with 5 minutes to go! Calum put in a brave performance picking up where Kai had left off. Expectations for a third goal in Sutton’s favour were continually denied with a Rugeley set up that was entirely defensive to spare them any further blushes. A cracking start to a new year that saw pace, passing, a penalty and obviously plenty more to come!
So….
It’s a New Year
We gave a big cheer
Nil two the score line
Sutton’s Guys feelin’ fine!
MOM – Matty Birch
By Sarah Shaw
