Match Report - Boldmere St Michaels 0 - 1 SCTFC

After a nervy win on Saturday, Sutton were looking to get back-to-back wins over the Christmas period against a side they rarely got anything from. That was against neighbours Boldmere St Michaels, who had already knocked us out the FA Trophy this season.

Cameron Stuart’s starting 11 were as follows: Brown, Christophorou, Carter-Byrne, Lima, Beresford, Doyle, Burgess, Collins, Tague, Hilton and Byrne.

It was a slow start for Sutton, more noticeable I suppose due to being so dominant in the early minutes against Rugby.

Tague hit a rushed effort from distance which flew well wide, but Sutton’s first real chance came when Burgess was fouled on the edge of the area. Burgess, not one to miss an opportunity for a free kick, delivered a lovely ball round the wall which took a slight deflection for a corner.

After some general play, Burgess had an opportunity with another free kick. He whipped the ball into the penalty area just evading Lima, who ran in trying to make a connection.

Hilton had two defenders on him, so flicked the ball over both of them to set Collins up on a run. A strong cross into the box was met by Beresford, but he was unable to make connection. The ball however, went through to Byrne who hit a sweet volley, only to find Smith equal to it.

Byrne was unlocking the Mikes defence and cut in from the left before hitting a low shot at the near post, only to be thwarted again by Smith who got down well.

The Royals finished the half defending well and limiting Boldmere to very few opportunities.

Tague had a great opportunity early in the second when he put Smith under pressure. With the ball at his feet, Tague won the ball off him and hit the ball on the turn. Sadly, he was at an acute angle, and the ball hit the side netting.

Byrne received the ball wide in acres of space. He ran to the near post and fired across goal. Collins arrived at the far post to fire the ball home and send the travelling fans in to dreamland. 0-1 Sutton.

70 minutes in and Burgess was replaced by Edmunds.

It was end to end, with both teams going for it, but without the clinical finish, and Boldmere were desperate to get back into the game.
On 82 minutes McSkeane came on to replace Byrne.

Tague nearly made it 2-0 when he turned on the spot, and from 20 yards out tried a shot on the half volley. He beat the keeper, and only the crossbar could prevent the goal.

Hilton had a reasonable effort, but it was well over. McSkeane nearly grabbed one when he fired low from picking the ball wide, but Smith was on hand to save the Mikes.

With a minute to go in injury time, Boldmere picked the ball up in midfield and managed to set up a decent effort on goal. It had Jono diving to his right which ensured Sutton left Boldmere with all three points.

Sutton were 1-0 victors against Boldmere! Yes, you read it right. Sutton 1-0 victors against Boldmere.

The lads battled well in a hard-fought game to get back-to-back wins over the Christmas period. This will be a victory that will live long in the memories of Sutton fans for years to come.

Well done lads! You all performed well, especially in defence. Who says miracles can’t happen at Christmas?

#COYR