Sutton O'Neills FC 2 V 0 Westminster Wanderers B

SOFCA’S WALKING WOUNDED MAKE WESTMINSTER WANDERERS WONDER!

After some excellent results in recent weeks, Sutton were looking forward to another good performance, and that’s exactly what they delivered, despite the squad being ravaged by injury and absence. This performance, by a team with a one armed goalkeeper, no recognised centre backs, two others carrying an injury and one back from injury after six weeks out was all the more remarkable.

From the whistle, SOFCA went into attack mode, and had probably 80% of the play, almost all in the opposing half. They were running rings around the opposition, with some terrific moves, but as in recent weeks, failed to hit the target with a hatful of good chances falling mostly to Nathan and Ben D. When the breakthrough came on 23 minutes, it was a soft tap in for Ben Donaldson after the opposition ‘keeper had spilt the ball. 1- 0.

Still, any goal is a good goal, and SOFCA continued to press for more goals but again missing the target on numerous occasions. James Murray’s first start caught the eye with some excellent runs down the left, as well as some strong tackling.

On the odd occasion that Westminster attacked, the makeshift defence performed magnificently. Worthy of mention is Dave White. Despite a severe arm injury and not having too much keeping to do, which would have normally earned a match rating of 6, he marshalled his defence brilliantly to keep the opposition out so earned a rating of 7.

The second half began with a few more attacks coming from Westminster, but the defence was strong, with captain Andy Dodson putting in a huge man of the match performance in an unfamiliar position of centre back. Another strong  performance from the ever reliable utility man Luke George, help to seal the defence.

SOFCA still had most of the game with the dynamic duo of  Duncan Garnett, and  Harry Simpson  controlling the midfield  , both setting up chances for the strikers and for themselves. Still no more goals came, and in the 65 minute John Edgar came on for Dave Henderson who put in a tireless performance after being out for six weeks.

The manager then made a tactical change and put James up front with Nathan, and immediately caused the opposition defence more trouble. The breakthough came in the 82 minute, with Ben D’s cross causing chaos in the defence and James tapped in for 2-0. Robin came on for the final 8 minutes replacing the tiring but impressive Nathan. In the added on time Robin was inches from making it 3-0 but the game ended at 2-0.

Given the  makeshift starting line up this was a terrific performance, and a good warm up for a tough match next week.

Man of the match: Andy Dodson

Nearly man: Harry Simpson

Almost nearly men: Luke George, Duncan Garnett, James Murray

Report by Robert