SUTTON UNITED 4 HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS 1
The ground was looking good (I did like the new terracing and covering... it makes the ground look as if it could generate some atmosphere ... all we need are the crowds ! ), the pitch looks marvellous.. I remember those Trophy games in the mud !
After settling on the halfway line under the covered terracing the spectators around me were bemoaning the Bishop's Stortford defeat. Would I turn out to be a Jonah or a lucky mascot on my spectatorial appearances this season ? Within the first 20 minutes the answer was undoubtedly lucky mascot as Sutton swept aside a poor Heybridge defence to score 3 times. Matt Hanlan scored with some style and composure after a one on one with the Heybridge keeper then Joff Vansittart scored an explosive second goal from at least 25 yards as he turned his marker and smashed the ball past a bewildered keeper. Goal of the season already ??? Matt Hanlan ( and doesn't he look a better player since he re-appeared in Sutton colours ?) tapped in a penalty to the keeper's right to cause us a great deal of delight on the terraces ! At this point memories of previous cricket scores flooded the memory.... Bromley 9-0 in the Amateur Cup, Ilford 8-0 in the London Senior, Leatherhead 11-1 in the league ( I really regret missing THAT one !), 9-0 at Gateshead.... and on&on&on... However, Heybridge spoilt those memories by becoming stroppy and throwing what little weight they had around a bit. A few yellow cards appeared. Heybridge pushed Sutton back and it continued that way into the second half when Heybridge even started to dominate for a while. Jones sneaked a consolation goal (or so we hoped !) after Les Cleevely pushed away a fierce shot and less treasured memories assailed us ! But, and a reasonably relieved, but... John no, Andy Salako finished off a typical Sutton move at the far post to restore some order to the proceedings. The game finished 4-1 to Sutton. With a little more pushing on by Sutton in the middle of the match 6 or 8 would have been achievable and believable.
That's the end of any complaints here, though. Being positive, what did I enjoy about the Sutton team ? Well, the new kit looked better than it sounded over the phone ! The team are still trying to play some attractive football. The Centenary Book is a great read AND good value. David Everitt ( Kenny.... it took me a while to get that one !!) looks a class act whenever he comes forward. He needs support and encouragement from everyone to keep on keeping on. David does remind me of Don Butterfil. Joff played as if he could score whenever he felt like it. He looks big and strong yet with a keen touch. Andy Salako crossed the ball with danger, Jimmy Dack kept battling, tackling and looking for the killer pass. Matt Hanlan was impressive... very impressive... keep it going, Matt. I remember Paul Rogers being unappreciated for a long while at Sutton.. look where he ended up ! The whole team played as a team. The defence looked sounder than I was advised it would be and I thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon. I even got the chance to see the silky skills of Dominic Feltham, my latest Sutton "hero". If I were ever foolishly appointed manager of any football team... let alone Sutton, Dominic would play in every creative position I could field... Ah, dream on.....