Sutton 2s v Lichfield 3s: 3-1

I had at one point thought when we got the inaugural win of the season that I'd write very little, something nonchalant like "the 2s won. Good job" and leave it at that, but now it's arrived let's bask in the victory...

Last week's quiz:
Telford and Wrekin were established in 1895 (one of oldest clubs in UK, but a baby relative to Sutton's 1891) and were formally known as Telford and Shifnal. - They also proudly declare on their website they are one of the few Midland's clubs with their own pitch and clubhouse (a pitch or two at rectory would be nice right?) so if there are any billionaire investors out there reading this then Sutton are willing to listen to credible offers.

This week's quiz questions:
1)Who's statue sits in Lichfield's Beacon park despite seemingly having no connection at any point to the city?
2) Lichfield is the 7th smallest city in England, but what is the biggest town?

Hockey time...

With Lichfield having won their last 2 and potentially being a stronger outfit in home fixtures, Sutton expected a good battle. The 2s started well and appeared up for the challenge, winning their first PC in the first 5 minutes that was well charged down by the Lichfield number 1 runner. Lichfield had their own PC on 12 minutes but this was well kept out by Ethan M in goal.

The deadlock was eventually broken in the 24th minute when Sam H fed the ball to Alex T who calmly slotted the ball between the keepers legs (3 megs in 3 weeks for the 2s now, long may it continue). 1-0 up at half time.

With 2 tubs of sweets provided at half time, the pressure is ratcheting up each week on the next MOTM to somehow outperform the predecessor. There could be some debate as to whether this is a good thing though as we conceded within 30 seconds of the restart...1-1, uh oh, we've been here before. But credit to the team here who didn't let their heads drop and re-established their dominance as the 2nd half developed in terms of possession and quality pressing off the ball.

11 minutes into the 2nd half, Sutton were able to convert their 5th PC (2 being reawards so essentially 1 goal from 3) when Brewill played the ball to the backpost for a Max H deflection. We've since found out that pre-game he declared "with Anoop stick stopping this week I'll just go and a score a deflection instead" - feel free to deliver on those declarations every week! 2-1.

The 2s have been in this position before and not always had the composure to see out a performance and whilst there was still a few nervy moments with unforced turnovers, Ethan made a number of big saves at crucial moments to keep Sutton in the lead. This set the foundation for a game securing third goal by Dan White who calmly reverse flicked the ball with his back to goal over the prone Lichfield GK with 9 minutes remaining. 3-1. Good game management ensued and Sutton came away with a well earned 3 points.

Fun moments included the laid back umpire who enjoyed a vape more than blowing the whistle on the few occasions his hands came out of his pockets + a Sutton player at 0-0 asking a teammate on the side if it was 1-1 (he was eventually right 25 minutes later so maybe I'll hit him up for his Superbowl predictions and rake in some moolah). Would also like to take a moment to congratulate coach Robin on his new record of 2 games in a row without entering the playing area like an excited canine chasing down the ball and opposition players, we're all proud of you.

MOTM was a hotly tested affair this week with GK Ethan M, deflection-king Max H and ball-heading forward Dan W all getting equal votes until the final vote came in via text...Ethan securing the win.

With a week off for the international break, (enjoy Paris Hydey) Sutton return in 2 weeks time at home to face Edgbaston 2s at 1pm on Saturday 4th November. 1 point separates the two local teams so can Sutton make it 2 wins from 2 or can Edge get their first away points of the season? See you at Wyndley to find out!