Long Sutton [M1s] 2 v 4 Upminster [M1s] – 20/11/17

Upminster eventually came out on top against a spirited Long Sutton side on Saturday. Packing their bags and travelling seemingly north of the wall, Upminster managed to avoid White Walkers and other such perils arriving in Long Sutton on time, despite Phil Dixon getting too carried away with the sound of his own voice and taking a third of the team on a scenic tour of the M25.

A less than intense warm up was followed by Long Sutton coming out the blocks quickly and taking the game to the away side, who responded by generously giving the ball back to the opponents at every available opportunity. Sutton made their early dominance count by converting a penalty corner to take the lead, and then doubling their advantage mid way through the first half after Dixon was nutmegged from a narrow angle.

This second goal sprung the away side to life, and they decided that actually passing blue and gold shirts would be a better strategy, and this was rewarded after Jack Downes expertly converted to half the deficit.

A fierce half time team talk from coach Matt Malby reinvigorated the away side and they came out of the blocks quickly and drew level fairly early in the half with Ollie Cipa converting a well placed penalty corner. Upminster continued to press, and were rewarded with Cipa converting his second of the game to put them in the lead for the first time in the game.

Long Sutton pushed for an equaliser, and Upminster’s defence were tested, but stood firm, with some good place from keeper Dixon, and defensive duo Coleman and Woods. Upminster managed to seal the points in the final 5 minutes with Alex Mitchell scoring to keep the way side’s unbeaten run going.

Upminster are on the road again, thankfully only to the Olympic Park to face Wapping next week.