Sutton Win On The Road

With Bishops Lydeard entering the Western League this season this was Sutton’s first visit for perhaps 7/8 years since our reserves went there in a Somerset Cup match.
Since then new good quality changing rooms and toilets have been built and flood lights installed and works are proceeding to complete the path around the pitch.

With Mason Poole and Brendon Abood still suspended and Luke Lecrass, Josh Southway and Adam Crooks unavailable, 17 year old Kai Long from the Under 18s was drafted in to the centre of the defence alongside Scott Gregory and with Joe Walters and Reece John at full back.
Shomari Sengor, Jack Metcalf, Ben Weaver and captain Sam Downes filled the midfield with Omar Simpson. Leaving Courtney Charles up front.

With Bishops Lydeard having a good season and currently in fifth spot in the table a close game was anticipated.

Sutton played the first half going up the very noticeable slope and took the game to The Bishops from the outset.
On 6 minutes Sutton opened the scoring, a good quick passing move from the left found Charles who unleashed a powerful shot that left the Bishops keeper rooted to the spot.
Sutton continued to press and had better possession until 2 minutes before half time when the Bishops had a quick break down the left followed by a firm low cross to the far post which was neatly swept in.

Half Time Bishops Lydeard 1 Bishop Sutton 1

The second half was evenly balanced, on 61 minutes Chris Manns brought off a good save with his legs to keep out a powerful shot from the right.
A minute later Sutton took the lead, a throw in from the right was flicked over the defence for Charles again to control and direct a thunderous shot into the roof of the net.
On 68 minutes Sutton went further ahead, Simpson collected the ball just inside the Bishops half and embarked on a skilful solo run finishing with aplomb.
The Bishops reduced the arrears 2 minutes, later a good run wide right finished with a accurate shot into the corner.
Sutton played all 3 subs, Jack Seymour, Alex Chapman and Dan Pirie replacing Weaver, Downes and Simpson in the 73rd, 81st and 90th + 3 minutes.

Full Time Bishops Lydeard 2 Bishop Sutton 3

Sutton’s Man of the Match, youngster Kai Long, for a very impressive mature performance slotting into the centre of the defence.

Sutton continued the good run of form with three wins and a draw from the last four games and the view afterwards was that this was arguably the best performance for perhaps the last two seasons.
Sutton go to Roman Glass St. George next Saturday the 18th for the game on the GFA artificial pitch.