Match Report - SCTFC 0 - 2 Tamworth FC

It was a hot and sticky evening at Coles Lane, With this fifth friendly game for Sutton this pre season.

Suttons starting line-up was as follows: Gwilliams, George, Trialist, Poutney, Mutton, Shaw, Beresford, Palmer, Francis, Leek, and Timms.

Sutton kicked off the game, but it was Tamworth who had the first effort with a low drive from Yafai which Gwilliams collected comfortably. Up the other end, Shaw put a great cross into the box for Timms to get a header which went high and wide, sadly for Sutton it was the smallest player on the pitch in that position.

Poutney tested Singh in the Tamworth goal minutes later with a shot from distance, but the Lambs goalie was equal to it.

Sutton were nearly made to pay for lax defending on the quarter hour mark when Beswick put a ball in the Royals box for Creaney to land a bullet header against the middle of the left-hand post.

After half an hour, Palmer received a yellow for a foul on Yafai just outside the D. Beswick took the free kick and curled the ball round the wall and to the keepers left to make it 1-0 to Tamworth.

Sutton had one last effort before the end of the half through a Leek header from a ball in from Timms, but unluckily for Sutton, it was straight at the keeper.

Sutton started the second half on the front foot winning two corners in quick succession. From the second, Leek kept the ball in play and put Timms through to deliver a crossfield ball which was met by Beresford whose shot just cleared the crossbar.

Tamworth’s first effort of the half came from Creaney’s cross to Fry for a looping header which was easily gathered by Gwilliams.

Tamworth nearly made it 2-0 moments later when Obeng put a ball across the keeper. Gwilliams pushed it away, but only as far as another Tamworth player whose shot was blocked. The rebound came to Creaney whose shot was saved brilliantly by Gwilliams.

70 minutes in and Gibson and Romareo came onto the field of play and were both instantly linking up on the attack. Romareo beat his man and threaded a lovely ball through to Gibson, but the pace on the ball got the better of him and it became a missed opportunity.

79 minutes in and disaster for Sutton as Tamworth put pressure on the Royals goal. Following Reid’s ball into the box, a Sutton player was deemed to have infringed Fry, and a penalty was awarded.

Creaney stepped up and slotted to the right of Gwilliams to seal the match for Tamworth. It could have been 3 just before the final whistle when Creaney again was left unmarked on the edge of the box to hit a shot, thankfully, against the crossbar and out of play.

It was a tough night for Sutton who showed fight and at times could have got something out of the game. Tamworth were deserving of the win and were the better side on the night. Having said that, for long periods Sutton held their own.

It was another good run out and its off to Tividale on Saturday for another good test. Hope you can all joins us on our travels.

COYR.