After back to back wins versus Bournville and Beeston, the Men 1s travelled up the A38 to face another B in the form of Burton. With Sutton sitting 4th in the league, it was imperative that they put in another strong performance to maintain their good form and improving league position.

The away side started well, putting the home side under pressure and creating a number of chances after good build up play by Best and co. A Cleaver penalty corner flick found the inside of the post but somehow stayed out. A subsequent corner resulted in Sutton taking the lead when Will Sheffield-Margetson shepherded the ball into the goal to bring his tally to the season to 4. A second followed not long after when a wipeout resulted in a penalty stoke being awarded and captain Gutteridge stepped up to clinically dispatch the flick to make the scoreline 2-0. It was so clinical that one would think if he were to get another flick later it would be a guaranteed goal next time too. Sutton then had their first major defensive scare when a Burton attack ended up with a fierce shot into the near post side netting - a welcome reminder that dominance of possession and chances are positive but don't actually make a difference to the scoreline.

Fortunately, the third goal came in the form of a Brisco reverse stick rocket. The Burton keeper had already pulled off some brilliant saves at this point to keep the score close, but sometimes a shot is just too well struck to be kept out.

3-0 the halftime score. Focus on maintaining a clean
sheet and keeping the intensity and moving the ball on quickly the key messages from coach Sam Rees-Zammit at the break.

A dominant second half saw 5 more goals added to the tally. Besty with 2 goals, including one that was a fantastic team passing move instigated by a swashbuckling Murray on the half way line and ending with the same player pulling off a classy dummy round the keeper and ball across to a composed Best. The other goalscorers were FJ, Miles Margetson-Shep and a dialled-in Dom Lee. Credit to the defence for maintaining possession well and building the play patiently from the back to earn a well deserved clean sheet - Ray and the team's second clean sheet of the season. Captain Jack also had a chance to double his tally for the season when a second penalty stroke was awarded, this time though the keeper calmly made the save and it appears Goose's penalty stroke role is safe on his return next week.

Player of the match went to Jonathan Best, with special mentions to Sheff and Murray. Wholesome moments included Sheff meeting Miles' family for the first time and seemingly getting their approval. In less positive news, it's now been 2 weeks in a row of POM forgetting half time sweets. Wins are nice, but they're far nicer when fuelled with appropriate sweets at half time (not Maoam stripes for future reference Dod Lee). Post game there was excellent cup cakes and charcuterie meats provided by Maguire and an equally enticing cheesecake made by Ryan "turns out I broke a rib" Brisco. The instigator of the "home baked and not shop bought" rule Mr Gutteridge has the honour next time.

The final league game before the festive break sees Sutton take on top of the table Loughborough Students in a mouthwatering encounter at Wyndley at 4pm on Saturday 7th December. All support greatly appreciated.