Crusaders 3-4 Sutton Coldfield Town

Sutton started their League campaign with a trip to Bournville to take on Crusaders

On an uncomfortably hot day, it was the hosts who drew first blood when they took the lead 5 minutes in

After waiting until the 22nd minute for the equaliser to arrive, it then took a mere 60 seconds for Sutton to take the lead…both goals courtesy of Niamh Deasy!

Just 4 minutes later Abbie Hyland made it 3-1 to Sutton from close range…although it was questionable as to whether the goal was actually an own-goal!

Not long after a chance came to make it 4-1 which was not taken and this would prove to be crucial

2 goals in the space of 4 minutes late in the half saw Crusaders draw the game level going into half-time

HT - 3-3

The second-half started evenly with neither side really taking control of proceedings

However as the half wore on, it was Sutton who began to gain the upper-hand in terms of possession and territory

As the game ticked past the 70-minute mark chances started to come more frequently, however none were being taken and it looked like time was going to run out

But then in stoppage-time Imogen Fisher managed to keep her composure and produce a brilliant finish despite being under pressure from a defender and seemingly too wide to beat the goalkeeper

Player-of-the-Match was Sarah Lampitt who never stopped running despite the intense heat

FT - 3-4