Sutton 5ths and 6ths with a squad of 10 junior players and 3 adults opened their season with a good and hard fought win against Lichfield. With 4 debutants playing their first senior game for the club and 8 players aged 14 or under it was hard to know how they would get on against an experienced and capable opposition. As it turned out, their hard work and commitment shone through.

Sutton started confidently and dominated possession and having made some good attacks were rewarded when Nick Jones scored an excellent goal beating a defender before firing home. Despite more pressure, Sutton conceded from a short corner – Lichfield’s first foray into the Sutton half –and were disappointed to go in to half time 2-1 down from a very well taken reverse stick goal.

Feeling that the score-line did not reflect the run of play Sutton came out strongly in the second half. Excellent work in midfield from Jem Lee and attacking down the right from Billy Sansome brought rewards with an equaliser which was well finished by Matt Hubbold. Sutton took the lead from a penalty flick, calmly slotted home by Dan Porter, who had an excellent game and then took the lead with another goal from Nick Jones.

At four-two up Sutton looked comfortable with excellent work at the back and midfield from Jacob Higgins, Luke O’Brien and Dominic Lee. With Lichfield pushing more players forward, Sutton came under pressure and conceded with 5 minutes to go. A slightly nervy period ensued but with two minutes to go, Sutton regained their composure and saw the game out.

This was an excellent start for a young team.