Sutton Ladies 1s hosted Bristol Firebrands for the first home game of the season. Sutton were looking to build upon last week’s opening victory against rivals Olton, whilst Bristol had hopes of getting their first points on the board.

Sutton started strongly in the heat, with the team showing some good composure switching play whilst the press kept Bristol camped in their half. The first goal came following an excellent long ball by Eli Thomas, with the subsequent play resulting in a short corner which Vicky Woolford dispatched with punch and precision. Bethan Merriman was well placed to add a 2nd and 3rd in quick succession as the creativity and intensity of Sutton’s midfield play continued to create chances. Jane Sixsmith converted another short corner and although Bristol did have a couple of chances in the first half, Becky Batsford was on hand to keep the score 4 – 0 at half time.

Bristol approached the second half with renewed gusto whilst errors and sloppy play was creeping into Sutton’s game. Bristol got a deserved goal as a retrieved ball was crossed into the circle and an unmarked Dayzee Booth finished at the second attempt after a sharp initial save from Becky Batsford. The goal seemed to spark Sutton back into life as ‘player of the match’ Vicky Woolford added her 2nd goal of the game. Sutton’s ship had settled and the goals started flying in at a rate too quick for this match reporter. Bethan Merriman completed her hat-trick from close range and Vicky Woolford quickly followed suit with a dancing solo run that Anna Pavlova would have been proud of. Then Jen Parkinson-Mills calmly converted a penalty stroke following a foul by the Bristol goalkeeper. There was time for Jane Sixsmith to get her 2nd of the game following great work by Sarah Parkinson-Mills who made a pin point pass for Jane Sixsmith to finish on the stretch.

A resounding 9 – 1 win for Sutton, delighted the home crowd. Thank you for all the support and special thanks to the ball boys and girls who did an excellent job. The mighty pinks are away against Bristol University next week, before playing high flyers Swansea City in what could be a top of the table clash on 3rd October at 2pm.