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A cup game against our current league leaders resulted in another disappointing second half performance against a side, whom we should have beaten.  Sutton took the lead within the first 5 minutes of the game with a mix up on a through ball with neither of our players taking control of the situation and allowing their forward to come between them to poke the ball home. Other than a couple of corners, Sutton did not create much else throughout the 1^st half. With us having the majority of possession we didn’t really create any clear openings with Sutton managing to get bodies behind the ball to clear any danger. Our equaliser came from a cross by Terry from the left which their defender headed on into the far corner of the goal against the smallest keeper we are likely to come across. We continued in much the same manner without putting pressure on their keeper with high balls but straight at him.

The second half saw us put in our worst half performance so far this season. There was no support play and continuing to play the ball into the middle, where Sutton had plenty of bodies to regain the ball.  Especially when at half time,  instructions were given to get the ball out wide where we had the advantage of  getting past both full backs. The boys need to remember that you need to play for both halves and not just the 1^st.  Sutton regained the lead and increased it with goals from another two basic defensive errors.  It was only when we went chasing the game that Sutton started creating chances for themselves.

Keith, our ref summed it up when receiving treatment for a pulled calf.  He couldn’t believe we were losing and that our second half performance was poor.  Hopefully the injury is not as bad as the strain on Keith's face suggested.

Let's hope the boys can pull out a performance where they listen, stay focused  and compete for the full duration of the game, using the basics of communication and simple passes. Come on boys - Drew and I know you all can do so much better.

Terry Vinson