This week Newmarket
travelled away to Long Sutton for their second game of this half of
the season and were looking to pick up a win after last week’s loss
at home against Alford II.
Newmarket dominated the
first 15 minutes of the half, passing well round the pitch and
seeing off the Sutton attacks. The first goal came from a well
executed counter attack, starting with a clearance from Duncan Freed
which found striker Mark Pears out on the wing. Right midfielder
Adam Gallop found space behind the home team's defence and received
the ball from Pears. Gallop made his way into the D and made no
mistake in dribbling past the keeper to make it 1 – 0 to Newmarket.
The lead was short
lived as Freed saw yellow just as Sutton were rewarded a short
corner. Keeper Dan Brown went down early leaving ample opportunity
for the hitter to flick it over him, making it 1 – 1.
Defender and captain
Neil Badcock went off injured with a serious cut to his knee, this
made the yellow and blues worried, but Adrian Atkinson took his
place and fulfilled his role well.
Newmarket should have
been ahead at half time but Pears missed hit an open goal chance and
Gallop had some shots saved.
Newmarket started the
second half in the best possible way, the ball was given to
midfielder Jez Harris, who run at Sutton at speed, the ball was then
given to Pears who slotted it past the keeper, the whole play took a
mere 8 seconds, possibly Newmarket’s fastest ever goal.
This gave a tremendous
boost to the away team, who attacked with force and precision. Young
Jordan made his debut at left back and won the respect of the team
with a strong performance.
Newmarket's third and
final goal came from the ever reliable Ian Starling. Starling picked
up the ball in the D and from a tight angle, found space between the
keeper and the post, just an inch either way and it would have
remained 2 – 1 to Newmarket.
The game ended with the
score being 3 – 1 in favour of Newmarket, who still sit top of
Division 5NW on goal difference.
Newmarket are at home
on Saturday against Wisbech, 14:30 start.
