Sutton Heath Vs Felixstowe Falcons (7/11/09) On the back of 6 straight league wins Sutton entertained Felixstowe on a bright saturday morning. Sutton missing 4 players had to adjust the starting line up but it had no effect as the home side started well. Ben J tucking in to centre midfield, did a fantastic job of breaking up the play and setting Sutton away onto another attack. Despite Suttons early pressure it was the away team who had the first real chance and as a long diagonal ball was controlled well from the Felixstowe striker but he could not beat Sam.R who saved well. As the half continued Sutton looked dangerous down the left with Mark and Jimmy linking well but it was Sam.C from right midfield who got the break through, his shot across goal got a couple of deflections and nestled in the bottom corner. Sutton pressed again soon after and a good team which started with Ed at right back was well finished from Sim in the top left hand corner. It was starting to look comfortable for the league leaders but Felixstowe had other ideas and pulled one back with a fantastic 25 yard free kick. This galvanised the away side and they equalised near half time with some real sloppy defending from Sutton.
Half Time 2-2
Felixstowe who had started slowly were now really starting to play some good football and the home team looked nervy. Chances came and went for the away side the best of which a close range effort blasted over the bar when really it should have been in the back of the net. On Suttons first attack of the half Sim crossed for half time sub Liam who nodded towards goal and past the keeper, who will of known he could have done better. This could have put Felixstowe heads down but it was not over. Sam R was kept very busy for another 10 minute period as Sutton just didn't look themselves. A moment of quality from Sim however meant sutton did extend their lead. Sutton's number 10 collecting the ball on the half way and going all the way to slot past the oncoming keeper. The twists and turns were not finished however as moments after the Falcons pulled one back with a real good goal from their number 7. As the full time whistle approached Felixstowe searched for an equaliser but could not get through as Sutton finally started to defend well. Rob. B had the final word adding a 5th with a typical composed finish.
Final Score Sutton Heath 5 Felixstowe Falcons 3
Man of the Match - Ed.B - Best game this season in at right back, very solid throughout.
24.10.09
Sutton Heath vs. Woodbridge Town
After the breathtaking end to the St. Johns
match the week before Sutton had to follow up this win in what was one of the
biggest games of the season, the local derby. Sutton has never really
challenged their rivals in seasons before but could this season be the one. The
pride was not only the important thing in this match either because both of the
teams were tied at the top of the table.
There was some light drizzle in the air and
this mean the ball was going to skid on a lot and this certainly showed in the
first five minutes because both teams were finding the long ball hard to play
and a lot of the play was made by flick-on’s and headers. Woodbridge had
defiantly started the brighter and were using their big target man up-front
well, this showed about 8-9 minutes in when there was a scrap in the box with
the ball in the middle of it which Sam R came to collect but was beaten to the
ball by Woodbridge’s little striker who bundled it into the net, 0-1. This took
the wind out of Suttons sails and look of desperation dawned over some of the
players but good captaincy by Craig and some other players lifted the team a
bit. Sutton started to show the quality they possess, Sim was working very hard
up-front and the defence started to play with more confidence, but the cutting
edge still wasn’t there the midfield battle was scrappy with lots of
local-derby tackles flying in. Sutton didn’t really trouble the Woodbridge
keeper until their main man pulled it off again, after scoring very late in
last week’s game Rob impressed once again with a wonderful 30 yard strike which
looped over the stranded keeper, 1-1. This goal lifted Sutton and as the half
ended they looked the better team.
Half-Time 1-1
The half-time team talk was simple; if
Sutton can press the ball and hassle Woodbridge the game was favoured towards
the reds. Sutton defiantly took this on board and started to control the game a
bit more, as soon as Woodbridge started to break through there was a tackle to
stop it. Even though Woodbridge had more possession they never properly
threatened Sam R in goal, Sutton didn’t have many shots on goal but did force a
few corners with Chris and Johno playing well on the wings and Cameron working
well up-front with Sim. Rocket was brought back on off the bench after his
first half performance was poor and he immediately responded making a
goal-saving tackle to stop the Woodbridge centre-mid from scoring. Rob was
controlling the midfield and the Woodbridge midfielders were getting restless
because of it, the tension mounted as both teams were desperately pressing for
the winning goal. Sutton strung some beautiful passes together with the
defence, midfield and strikers all linking in which Sutton won a throw in, the
ball was thrown in well and after a few deflections the ball broke to Rob, he
turned a few defenders with pure class and the coolest man in the house slotted
home to give the home side a huge advantage, 2-1. Woodbridge were obviously annoyed
and they started to moan at each other. The game got a bit out of hand when
Rocket made a sliding tackle on the Woodbridge captain which none of the
Woodbridge camp liked one bit, the ref took control very well though and
diffused the situation without any major descent. Right near the end the
Woodbridge captain came off the bench and immediately got involved again
when he lashed out at Oz, the ref stepped in again and brandished the yellow
card, this really upset Woodbridge and more players got involved which led to
another yellow card being shown. Soon after the final whistle was blown and
Sutton had done what this age group had never done before, beaten Woodbridge.
MoM was Rob for two superb goals and his
non-stop work.
FINAL SCORE
Sutton 2-1 Woodbridge
Sutton Heath v St Johns 17th October
Sutton on the back of four league wins on the bounce entertained St Johns in a competitive looking fixture. Both sides from the off looked to attack each other in a quick paced start, both sides stuck to thier traditions and got the ball down and played attractive football, it was making for a very entertaining game. Despite all the slick football both defences were very organised which was limiting the chances. It was in fact a Sutton corner which brought about the first real chance Liam getting his header on target but it was well saved by the St Johns keeper. Liam moments later again got his head on another corner but this time could not work the keeper. It was end to end football throughout the half with both teams counter attacking very well and chances continued to be made without no end product. The home sides extra height however was showing from set peces as moments before half time craig looked like he'd nodded in from another Rob corner but this time it was cleared off the line.
Half time Sutton 0 St Johns 0
The second half continued in much the same fashion both sides playing real nice football but neither side could find a way through two resiliant defences. The away side then enjoyed a ten mninute period where for once one team dominated possesion, sutton weathered this period well but the away side were inches from taking the lead as a cross was so nearly put in by an outstretched leg from thier striker at the back post.
As the half wore on the intensity remained very high which prompted regular substitutions from either side but still to no prevail the deadlock could not be broken. Both teams started to look frustrated with the situation as the neither could get that all important goal. With 10 minutes remaining Sutton's N0.2 (no names mentioned) prompted Nigel to push Rob.B upfront for one last throw of the dice. The game looked to be fizzling out into a draw until in the final seconds a throw from the left into Rob's path allowed him to dip and weave past a couple of defenders and finish perfectly across goal into the far corner. The description doesn't give justice to what a special goal this was by a special player especially given the situation. The home side saw out the last few seconds and took all 3 points. A brilliant finish to a brilliant match.
Full Time Sutton 1 St Johns 0
Man of Match - Mark.C - A very composed and commanding performance from the left sided talent.
Thanks to Charlie for running the line
Report J Foreman
10.10.09
Martlesham Bombers FC vs. Sutton Heath FCSutton travelled to Martlesham in our third away game of the season and we were welcomed by a beautiful surface on which we were to play on. After heavy rain the night before the pitch was soft and gave both teams an opportunity to get the ball down and play some good football. With Sutton sitting top of the league with three wins in as many games this was not going to be an easy contest with third place Martlesham.
The game started off very slowly and very scrappy, a lot of balls were falling just in front of Suttons back four and causing some problems. Martlesham had numerous chances to score with Martlesham’s danger man causing Craig and his defence with some thinking to do. Mid-way through the first half Sutton showed some fight, the ball broke to Jimmy on the right wing and with a brilliant turn off skill and pace whipped the ball into the box, after a goal mouth scramble it fell to Johno who made no mistake from three yards. After that unexpected goal Sutton woke up, the midfield looked at lot more demanding and the strikers of Sim and Chris were causing problems. Martlesham were still going strong though and could of easily scored if it wasn’t for skipper Craig making a superb last-ditch sliding tackle. The momentum then switched back to Sutton, after a brilliant lofted through ball from Sam.P the electrifying pace of Sim got him to the ball and he slotted home for 2-0. Immediately after the kick-off a long ball was played over the Sutton defence and Martlesham scored within 10 seconds of the Sutton goal 2-1.
Half Time
The second half started off very similarly to the first with both teams trying to play short fast football in not much space. But with half time team tactics seeing Rocket sitting just in front of the back four gave Rob a chance to attack and try to finish off the game, this seemed to have a good effect and Craig and his solid back four looked much more confident. Jimmy who had a fantastic first half unfortunately had to come off at half time due to injury, and Sutton made some more subs about 10 minutes into the half, Ed replacing Sam P and Coops replacing Chris up front. The game carried on in its scrappy manner but it was Martlesham who took the initiative and got back into the game with a brilliant header which maybe the defence could have dealt better with. Once again though Sutton came back strong and Rob was having a very dominant game in centre mid and Sim still had lots of pace to burn up front, this showed when Rob burst through the Martlesham midfield and defence only to be hacked down in the box, the referee blew his whistle and Sutton were awarded a penalty. As Rob had taken a nasty fall he had to get treatment so Sutton needed to find another penalty taker, Sim bravely stepped up to take the spot kick and converted even though the keeper got a hand on it. Martlesham then deflated and Sutton were starting to get a grip on the game, although a careless foul by Ed on the edge of the box nearly cost Sutton. Craig and Ed made up for the mistake though by brilliantly masterminding the offside trap and saving another equalizer. The game was then wrapped up in the last 5 minutes when Rob lofted a ball over the top for Sim to complete his hat trick.
Final Score Sutton 4-2 Martlesham
MoM was Jimmy for a fantastic first half display and for his contribution late on in the second half.
Thanks to Neil for running the line.
Report by B Read
Framlingham Town vs Sutton Heath September 12th 2009 Sutton looked to build on their opening day success, when they travelled away to Framlingham. The opening 10 minutes were very cagey with both teams struggling to keep hold of the ball. The first real chance came after about 15 minutes, it fell to the home team but the Fram forward dragged his shot wide. After this warning Sutton picked themselves and started to dominate with Rocket and Rob controlling the centre of midfield. Sure enough with the possesion chances were starting to be created and it was Rob who found space and weaved through a couple of tackles and finished well in the bottom corner. Rob then doubled his and the teams tally with another individual effort once again a superb finish. The away sides football at times was breathtaking all over the pitch and a 3rd was scored just before half time Rob.B completing his hat-trick this time in a good team move five to six players were involved before Rob slotted home.
Half Time - Fram Town 0 Sutton Heath 3
The second half continued in much the same fashion, Sutton controlling possesion and linking up very well all over the park. On top of the excellence going forward Sutton were looking solid at the back restricting the home side to long range efforts. Just as the tempo of the game was slowing Sutton made it 4 with Cameron bagging his first of the season with a long range effort. Liam then got his name on the score sheet with another shot from outside the area. The management was happy to see this as it was something that had been touched upon at the start of the match. To Framlinghams credit they did keep battling and did score a consolation mid way through the half on the break from a Sutton corner. Regular rotation was used by Nigel to keep the team fresh and this approach worked with Sutton replying with a goal from a counter attack of their own, last years top scorer Sim applying the finish.
Full Time Fram Town 1 Sutton Heath 6
MOM - Sam Cocker - Outstanding display in a variety of Positions
Report Jim
Kesgrave FC vs Sutton Heath FC06.09.09First of all sorry for the late match report, I’ve had a busy week. Here we are again the start of hopefully another successful season, it doesn’t seem 5 minutes ago since the last game of the season. The squad was dealt a blow in pre season when our keeper Sam.R who was fantastic last season broke his wrist, not playing football I might add! but riding his bike! He actually fell off his bike! May I take this opportunity for the whole team to wish Sam a speedy recovery; we miss you in the team. Luckily we had a replacement in the shape of Ben.C who offered to go between the sticks, credit to Ben as many players in any team are reluctant to step forward as there is a lot of responsibility on their shoulders, so well done Ben.C
Both teams looked nervy in this first game of the season, incidentally Kesgrave were our first opponents away last season. Plenty of mistakes were made by both teams, but luckily Craig.H who took over from Ben.R as team captain soaked up most of Kesgraves attacks and was commanding at centre half. The hosts were playing the better football as the half grew on, however it was Sutton who took the lead, against the run of play I must add when Sim slotted home after being put through.
HALF TIME 0-1A few harsh words and encouragement was said at halftime, and Sutton came out a lot more purposeful after the break, with everybody stepping up a gear and playing some slick football at times getting the ball out wide and delivering some good crosses, particularly Chris S who deserved more from his excellent corners. Sutton added their second midway through the half when Sim cut across the last defender and fired into the corner. The visitors started to relax thinking that a 2 goal lead was enough they let Kesgrave back into the game with some sloppy defending to pull the deficit back to 2-1. With about 10 minutes left another beautiful corner from Chris S which deserved to be despatched and certainly was from Rob B with a firm header. The lasts few minutes Sutton shut up shop with Ben R going in defence playing five at the back, and saw the game through.
Final score Kesgrave 1 Sutton 3
Sutton responded well after a poor first half, although not at their best still managed a good win against a decent side.
Man of the match Craig.H for an outstanding display at the heart of the defence.
Thanks to Al and Steve for running the line.
Report Nigel