Sutton Old Boys 1 V 2 Baltic Vets

In the traditional curtain raiser against Sutton Old Boys, Baltic returned to one of the biggest pitches on the circuit, Banstead FC for a gruelling work out against decent opposition.

In bright sunshine and warmth the game started slowly as you would expect for a first of the season, both teams finding their own feet as well as sizing each other up. Sutton had the better of the early chances, with their striker firing over and shortly after, Jo Woolhouse with a fantastic double save to keep out the tricky left winger.

Following the 30 minute round of subs, Baltic scored two quick goals without reply. First, Dave Barrett picked the ball up on the left flank, looked up and sent a high cross into the box that evaded everyone including the keeper on the line (he'll use the sun in his eyes as an excuse) and hit the back of the net. Two minutes later Scott was brought down on the right hand side just outside the box after some neat build up play. Man of the match Ricky Baxter swung a cross onto the head of Chris Acquar at the near post and his bullet header beat the keeper with ease. The game had swung in the blink of an eye. Ricky continued to pepper the Sutton box with some fantastic crosses and with the first half drawing to a close, there was only one team who looked like scoring.

However, disaster struck as the game ticked into added time in the first half. After goalkeeper Jo was told to 'keep it on the floor', in two minds he kicked the ball from hand along the floor but straight to the Sutton striker who first time hit a cracking shot over the stranded Baltic keeper and into the net. The hosts, although totally undeserved, were back in the game.

The second half was not as eventful as the first. Baltic created few chances, a weak shot by Phil Broughton and at the death Scott Poulier after a marauding run fired narrowly over. At the other end, although Sutton had plenty of possession, they created only half chances and Baltic started the season with a routine win, albeit making heavy weather of the second 45.

Of more concern to Baltic was the injuries sustained to Chris Acquar (knee) and Ricky Baxter (hamstring) both who limped off in the second half

Notable mentions go to Mr Versatile Rhys Buckley who had a great game, as well as a returning friend of the club Deke Adams who slotted in as if he'd never been away. Somebody tell Kieran Pettman never to cycle to a football match again, especially if he's asked to play centre midfield and if Phil Broughton is ever in front of goal with an opportunity to shoot, make sure he passes!