It would have been a closer game with the full M3 squad, but half-term, injuries and illness meant they travelled with an imbalanced side which meant asking players to play out of position. Ultimately this made the difference as it took 20 minutes for Sutton to adapt and by this stage they were already 3-0 down to a strong North Stafford M2.

But rather than buckle, M3 dug deep and fought back into the game, this was rewarded just before half time as Sam Godsell finished off a great attacking move with his first 3XI goal.

The half time talk gave M3 a different plan to implement and they executed well, preventing N Staffs from scoring any more and making chances themselves. Unfortunately they couldn’t get the goal that would have put the hosts under more pressure.

The score line could have been worse but for some cracking saves from captain Bill Heywood from both short corners and open play, when the keeper wasn’t there, man of the match Steve Trivett, Bolt & Paddy Andrews were there on the line with great clearances.

After 3 tough away games M3 look forward to hosting Finchfield M2 next Saturday.