Men's 1st XI Vs Sutton Coldfield 1

Date 12 March 2022
Team Men's 1st XI
Opposition Sutton Coldfield 1
Fixture Home
Venue St George's Recreational Ground
Start time 13:30
Result W 4 - 1
Time played Normal time
Scorers
Match Report

With one point needed for promotion into the Midlands Premier Division, Telford and Wrekin Men’s 1st XI welcomed Sutton Coldfield on a sunny Saturday afternoon at St George’s. 

Tom McKittrick returned for the hosts with the side at full strength with the exception of Callum Stacey who is set to return this weekend.

Telford knew Sutton would be up for the fight in an attempt to ruin the promotion party and pressed right from the first whistle. Calm of composed passing from Telford’s experienced defenders allowed the hosts to play out from the back with little concern. Early penalty corners were dealt with by Sutton’s defence, but they could not keep top goal scorer Tom Mallett quiet who got Telford’s first goal. After rolling onto his backhand, Mallett unleashed a shot into the top corner which was slightly helped on its way by the goalkeeper.

Sutton replied minutes later with pressure of their own and scored from a penalty corner of their own to beat Neil Davies low to his right. Telford kept their heads up and continued to remain patient in defence and looked to keep the ball moving in possession. Youth combined for Telford’s 2nd with Noah Higginson, Callum Nightingale, and the returning McKittrick linking up well in the final third. McKittrick’s shot found the advanced Nightingale at the back post for a simple tap in. 

With the score 2-1 at half time, and the game well poised for an entertaining second half, the message was to continue to remain patient, keep moving the ball around and the chances will come. 

A controlled second half performance followed with Telford extending their lead through Dave Tracey. Tom Mallett again hit a bobbling backhand at goal but looked to be heading wide of the far post. Tracey was on hand to steer the ball home with a clever finish to double Telford’s advantage.

Again Sutton replied and put the hosts under pressure but smart saves from Neil Davies, and some excellent short corner defending ensured that the score remained 3-1. With Sutton pressing for a way back into the game Telford’s counterattack threatened. A quick break led to a Sutton’s defender playing the ball off the back line and a short corner was awarded. Tom Mallett stepped up and slotted into the bottom right corner to give Telford an unassailable 4-1 lead. 

The win, three points and promotion were Telford’s reward for one of their most complete performances of the season. With three games remaining Telford are looking to finish off their season on a high with trips to Streetly, Bridgnorth and a home game against mid-table Burton.

Name Squad number Position Scored Assists Cards