Sutton 2s v Telford & Wrekin 2s: 2-3

After some tough talks with the publishers it's been agreed there will be a 500 word limit moving forward...hang on, does this count as part of the 500? Oops.

Last week's quiz: Charles Darwin is Shrewsbury's famous man and he is an Old Salopian (Salop being the original name for Shropshire...everyday's a school day).

This week's: What year was Telford (and Wrekin) Hockey club established?
Before they were Telford and "Wrekin" they were known as Telford and "who"?

Telford had a 100% record for the 3 games they actually played prior to facing Sutton at Wyndley (plus a walkover loss for a misunderstanding over start time at Lichfield apparently) so a tough game was expected.

Sutton took the lead after only 3 minutes when Ryan Brisco absolutely roofed a shot into the top right! What a start. Robin's Friday night motivational toothbrush instructions paying off maybe? However, 2 minutes later Telford replied when one of their star players beat 5 before laying it off for a teammate to make it 1-1. Goalfest on the cards!

Telford's good tactics and influential players meant they were beginning to run the game so master tactician on the side James O highlighted some changes the home side needed to make which helped the 2s get an equal stranglehold in the game.

Both teams had a number of chances but Ethan M in goal made a number of good saves to keep it level. 2 minutes before halftime Sutton retook the lead via Jake Turner with his second nutmeg goal in as many weeks, this one from open play. 2-1 halftime. Buzzing.

14 minutes of second half hockey came and went with no goals. From the 17th to the 35th there were also no goals. Unfortunately for Sutton in that little 2 and a half minute spell Telford equalised from a penalty corner and took the lead to make it 2-3. Flatlined.

A strong performance bar a few minutes of lack of composure...deja vu indeed.

MOTM was Ryan Brisco, just edging past Alex T by the narrowest of margins in the post game votes. Special mention to Sam H for exceeding expectations in the sweet bringing role with a full tub of Haribo… pressures on for next week Ryan!

With Telford commenting to skipper Moss that Sutton are up there with the strongest sides they've faced and the lower league position not reflecting the quality of play, it's now up to the 2s to convert potential into points! Bring on a local derby versus Lichfield 3s at 13:30 at Whittington Barracks next Saturday.