Match Report

City I

Result Old Suttonians 1 City 2 – AFA Cup

MOM: Rob Cockburn

This was the first real test to the 1st XI, on a perfect pitch which suited City's passing game. Suttonians were a big outfit, and looked dangerous from set pieces early on in the match. But, after a sizing each other up, it was City who took the lead with a well taken goal by Josh, lashing it across the Sutts keeper and into the far corner of the net after good link up play by Jay.

Suttonians continued to press, but had to rely on set pieces to get back into the game. Finally, the pressure paid off. With a long through their centre forward rose high above the City defence to flick his header across goal and inside the far post.

Through until half time Tim Dart was a constant danger on the right, but with a couple of chances being squandered the teams went in level.

Half Time: 1-1

The ref continued in the second half to take any fluency away from the game and frustrated the City players to an extent where their mind was off of the game. At this higher level, it's something that cannot afford to happen, as Suttonians applied the pressure with several long throws, but the City defence held firm.

Then City’s passing game started to dominate the set piece approach. City's persistence paid dividends with Rob C cutting Sutts defence in half with a lovely through ball to Jay, who racing clear coolly placed his shot past the on rushing Sutts keeper, to make it 2-1.

With 20 minutes remaining, City had to withstand the aerial threat, and from one corner Sutts nearly got the equaliser. A flick header at goal was diverted over the bar from Tom after a succession of corners. Just as the pressure had subsided, Reevo was correctly judged to have handled the ball and concede a dangerous free kick, which fortunately came to nothing.

City looked a constant threat on the break and could have extended their lead, but for the Sutts Keeper. Ola and Craig continued to pull the strings in midfield, and MOM Rob defended heroically throughout, to preserve the City lead. Praise also for Tom who was ever alert in goal and pulled of some fine saves.

An incredible 7 minutes seemed to be added on by the ref, but Sutts had simply run out of ideas, and City defended the set pieces well to secure an excellent win.

Now into the next round of the cup, City need to carry this performance into their first league game of the campaign next week.

The game was a battle, something which the City players will need to be up for throughout the season if they want to add another title to their collection.

Result

Result