Match Report - SCTFC 0 - 1 Sheffield FC

It was a grey wet afternoon at Coles Lane, where Sutton Coldfield took on Sheffield FC in a rare league match this season.

Toothy played the same starting 11 who played out that wonderful 2-1 win against Stafford Rangers the previous Saturday, with Ganley starting again for the injured Mutton.

Sutton started quickly with Francis heading a ball towards goal after a poor clearance by the Sheffield defence, he had more time to take the ball down but a quick header direct to the goalkeeper was easy pickings.

Sheffield had an opportunity minutes later, but squandered a free kick just on the Sutton penalty area.

Leek tried his luck with a free kick, he curled a great ball across the box but Halsall just missed out on getting a head to it.

Leek was given another free kick moments later, and this time Francis got onto the end of it but blasted wide of the post.

Shaw was taken off and replaced by Martin due to an injury in the 31st minute.

Sheffield won another free kick, but the result was an easy save for Gwilliams. Both teams were cancelling each other out, and set pieces were the only opportunities to score.

Leek took another free kick from just outside the area. It was connected by Beresford who hit a volley just wide of the post.

Sutton pushed forward with George. He played a one two with Leek, and fired a shot at the near post which was blocked out for a corner. It was the closest Sutton had come to a goal.

The second half started slowly with neither side showing any really dominance. Suttons best opportunity came when Leek hit a 35-yard blistering shot which had the Sheffield keeper diving at full stretch to push it over the bar.

Sheffield’s best opportunity came when the Royals defence was breeched and Beresford was left to slide in to prevent a certain goal.

Okoro came on for Francis on the hour mark to try and shake things up a little.

Sutton showed a little more going forward with Halsall trying an overhead kick which had great execution, although directed straight to the keeper.

Marselia ran across the goal beating several players but fired wide of the post.

Gibson was taken off to give Stanton a chance to prove himself upfront.

Okoro used his dribbling skills to draw a foul which Leek fired in for Stanton to get a weak header which did not trouble the keeper.

Sutton thought they had won the game 5 minutes from the end. Great work by George put the ball in the box for Halsall to head in from a few yards out, only for the referee to rule it out for a foul. This decision was very dubious indeed, and did not go down well with the Royals players and fans alike.

Just as everyone at the ground felt the game was heading for a bore draw, Gwilliams came well out of his area and ended up passing the ball to the opposition, Chapman was the man who chipped the ball high over Gwilliams and into the net. 0-1 Sheffield.

It was a tough watch, and was even tougher to see all three points go to the opposition so close to the end of the game. Sutton don’t seem to be able to get going in the league this season, are the cup runs a distraction? Was it just a bad day at the office? Time will tell, but we are back to Cup action at the weekend with Hednesford in the F.A. Trophy.

COYR