Match Report - SCTFC 0 - 1 Evesham United

Sutton Coldfield took on Evesham at Coles Lane in the last of the friendly fixtures before the start of the new season next week.

It was a wet and blustery day and was more like an afternoon in mid-November than mid-summer.

The team for today was Gwilliams, George, Trialist, Halsall, Mutton, Healey, Martin, Shaw, Dell, Trialist, and Francis.

Sutton started on the attack with our Trialist (10) threading a ball through to Francis, who weaved down the wing and crossed in for Dell to hit the ball just inches past the post. It was a great move that deserved more.

Francis fired wide from a poor clearance from the Evesham defence.

Evesham’s first effort on goal came from Reynolds who hit a low drive from 25 yards out, which went wide of the left post.

Sutton back on the attack hit a long ball up to Dell, who chested the ball down into the path of George who fired a volley just inches over the bar.

An Evesham break from a mistake by Martin in the oppositions half resulted in them nearly taking the lead with a looping shot that just cleared the bar.

42 minutes in and George set up Dell who got off a sweet strike that was heading for the top corner. Somehow, the Evesham keeper pulled off an incredible save to prevent Sutton taking the lead.

George was involved again just before the break, when he ran through the Evesham defence and fired a shot towards the left of the goal. This forced the keeper to make another excellent diving save.

Sutton were unlucky not to be in the lead at half time.

The second half was a battle in midfield with no real clear-cut chances early on.

Mutton had a shot blocked and got onto the rebound for a second bite of the cherry, but unfortunately his next effort went over the bar.

Francis had an opportunity when he received a ball form the Trialist (10), but his run towards goal was thwarted by the Evesham defender who blocked his attempt,

Toothy made lots of changes second half bringing on Palmer, Leek, Trialist (18), Romario, and another Trialist.

Disaster for Sutton towards the end of the half, as Evesham took the lead through a headed goal by Maslen-Jones. He was at the far post and gave Gwilliams no chance with his bullet header down into the net.

Sutton saw an effort by Trialist (16) who had a low drive saved from a Palmer assist and a Mutton header go wide from a free kick won by Romario. He won the free kick by nutmegging the defender and being pulled back, a delight to see at this level.

Sutton had a good work out today and deserved better from the game, but with a few new trialists on show today maybe something for Toothy to think about, with the number 10 being the pick of them.

Having lost Letford from last season, many of you will be wandering who may entertain this season. Well Francis and Romario look like sure fire bets to fill that void. Letford who? Only joking John.