Lots of laps, Lovely link ups and (no) love lost

Coach Fairbrother treated us to two fun facts this week… definitely not because we spoilt the first one. 1) Which animal kills more Americans a year: sharks or cows? 2) What does a baby giraffe use as a pillow?

Saturday started with a game of how many times can you drive round the car park before you find a space. Winner (or loser some would argue) was unconfirmed. Thankfully Carpay was off hot drink duty, but due to the lap issue hot drinks were late. Not that the opposition noticed. In fact the main talking point was the arrival of the U14s who were shadowing the L1s gameday prep. And by talking point I mean they were as baffled as we were with the new stat pages and system.

Confusion aside and water canons fixed, although in a weird order, the mighty pinks were ready and raring to go. This battle would be one not for the faint hearted.

Stourport had some early success while Sutton found their footing, pushing their way through to win some penalty corner chances. However, to no success.

Sutton found fortune in their press. Winning the ball high up the pitch multiple times and countering early. Freya and Mollie being the key two initially breaking the lines and ankles of defenders.

However, it took until ex Stourport player Mezza pickpocketed their defence before the deadlock was broken. Her pace broke the line and despite a bit of scrappy circle play, the ball fell to silky super sue who after her initial shot was saved, shimmied her way around the penalty spot to flick home. 1-0.

Goal two came minutes later with the perfect combination of pressing and a composed backline outlet. A fired ball from ET was initially cut off, but then the pressure got to the visitors and BP picked up a slow offload. Cheeky little burst of pace into the circle and then a slip ball to Mezza, saw Sutton double their lead. Mez well and truly saying goodbye to the blue and gold.

The 2nd quarter was relatively boring in comparison. Lots of back and forth and chances missed so no more high fives for ET to poach. 2-0 at halftime.

Moving to the second half and buoyed on by the huge crowd clearly, the left hand side dominated the game. The peers sisters linking up well winning multiple corners.

A few cards were shown to Sutton but were managed well with el capitano keeping it calm and cleaning up the middle beautifully.
However, it took midway through the final quarter for Sutton to score again. This time a rare right side attack lead by Mollie, picked out McCabe who scored on her reverse. Yes you read that correctly… her REVERSE! 3-0.

The game was said and done then and despite eating the club out of veggie options so emergency jacket potatoes were purchased not much more to note. POM went to mighty Sue and DOD McCabe for her unbelievable goal. And fairbrothers fun fact answers were 1) cows and 2) it’s bottom.

Another away day this week to sunny Gloucester ready for another battle and hopefully more halfway line hugs.