Match Report - Anstey Nomads 2 - 1 SCTFC

After four losses on the bounce, Sutton travelled to Anstey in their final game of the season. Anstey had everything to play for being second, and a chance to be league champions, whereas for Sutton, the pressure was off, as a mid-table finish was all that was ahead of them.

Sutton’s starting eleven was as follows: Brown, Christophorou, Tonge, Lima, Beresford, Doyle, Byrne, Burgess, Gibson, Edmunds and McSkeane.

It was a slow start by both sides, with neither side creating any real chances in either box. Anstey looked nervous with so much at stake, and Sutton were trying their best to prevent Anstey from mounting an attack.

On 17 minutes Blake scored for the home side. He fired across Brown and into the top far right side of the net. 1-0 Nomads.

Skeano nearly got Sutton back in the game with a run and shot from wide of the goal, but the keeper with an outstretched leg thwarted his effort.

The goal that Anstey scored put them top of the table, that was until minutes later, when Gibson towered above the Anstey defence to head the ball down. With the keeper scrambling to prevent it crossing the line, which fortunately he failed to do, the scores were level. 1-1.

Skeano delivered a sweet ball to the back post, then Tonge hit a volley towards the near post, but Logan did well to parry the effort out for a corner.

Spalding were now 2-0 up and looked certain to be champions, but Anstey kept on going, and hit back after a brave save by Brown was followed in by Armeni’s deflected shot. 2- 1 Anstey.

Gibson fought well early in the second half, winning a free kick just outside the box. Edmunds delivered to the back post where Beresford headed just wide.

Remmie Birch came on for Jack Burgess on 53 minutes.

Tonge was causing the Anstey defence some problems with his dribbling skills, and he put a lovely ball across field to Beresford who hit a volley just wide of the near post.

64 in and Byrne was replaced by the return of Collins.

Skeano hit one from wide across goal, but again Logan was equal to it.

68 gone, and Phillips was replaced Gibson.

Anstey were having most of the possession, and not giving Sutton so much as a sniff of the ball. The game started to get a bit niggly between the two sides, maybe it was the realisation that Spalding were now 8-0 up, and the dream of becoming champions was well and truly over.

Tonge nearly rubbed salt in to very open wound as he thought he beat the offside trap, rounded Logan and slotted home, but the linesman waved his flag to dent Suttons hopes of an equaliser.

Sutton had another sniff just before full-time when Edmunds delivered another free kick into the box. It was met by Lima whose shot went wide of the post.

Sutton finished the game losing 2-1, but could be proud of themselves. They did not make it easy for the league champion wannabees, and could have spoilt the party further if chances were taken.

It’s time to regroup now and prepare for next season. I’m sure it will hold many ups and downs along the way, but one thing’s for sure, we will all be back again for the game we love so much.

Thank you as always for your continued support.

#COYR