Market Drayton Town F.C.

From speaking to one of Sutton Coldfield’s Directors, they would readily argue that they don’t believe they gain much of an advantage by playing their home games on 3G synthetic turf. And if proof were needed, this was it. Drayton looked comfortable on the artificial surface and inflicted the fourth home defeat of the season on their hosts.

The squad was boosted by the return of right-back Jason Francis, a local favourite from past campaigns, and there aren’t many players with a higher level of fitness in this league.

It was obvious from the start that the referee was in one of his fussy moods and for once it was Drayton who seemed to be getting most of the decisions going their way. Sutton Coldfield’s players were naturally upset and began to let their discipline slip. The referee even had to speak to the manager, and they were reduced to ten men after twenty minutes following a blatant retaliatory head-butt.

Their early misery was instantly compounded straight from that resulting free-kick. Captain Paul McMullen just failed to get his head to the ball, but it deflected off the defender’s leg behind him and with the keeper already heading the other way rolled into an unguarded net.

Despite the reduced numbers and their obvious consternation Sutton continued to battle and were rewarded in the 28th minute with a near post header that went unchallenged.

However, just three minutes later Drayton were back in front. Luke Reynolds pushed the ball past the last defender and was sent tumbling – penalty! Again, the Sutton players complained. All to no avail, for there was definite contact, whether it was intentional or not. TOM ROGERS stepped up and placed it perfectly into the corner, just beyond the keeper’s outstretched hand. 2-1 up at the break.

In the second half, Sutton had a bit more of the possession but with much of the play concentrated in the middle third, they rarely threatened the Drayton goal. On the other hand, Drayton always looked dangerous going forward and although the flying wingers in the form of Porter and Ellis didn’t have their most effective of games, they were clearly a worry for Sutton and still created problems.

The game was effectively sealed as a contest with two goals in two minutes midway through the second half. A lightening break saw the ball sprayed out wide to Stuart Ellis, whose accurate cross was met with a first-time volley from TOM ROGERS, giving the keeper no chance.

Two minutes later KYLE BLAKE stretched out a leg in the area and steered the ball low past the onrushing keeper and in off the far post.

Tom Rogers could have notched up his hat-trick soon after but with a clear shot at goal he somehow managed to screw it wide. It would have been just reward for Tom whose non-stop running for the entire ninety minutes gave the Sutton defenders one hell of a workout!

With Sutton lying sixth at start of play, Drayton would have probably been happy with a point from this one, but they’re currently a match for anyone in this league and fully deserved the win.


Drayton:- Andy Pryce, Jason Francis, Matt Johnson, Grant Goodhead, Paul McMullen, Kyle Blake, Nicky Porter, Shaun Humphreys, Andy Cooke, Tom Rogers, Stuart Ellis.
Subs:- Martin Davies, Chris Peel, Callum Wright, Damien Stevens, Luke Reynolds.