Batten at double to put 2s top

St Neots 1s 1 Long Sutton 1s 2
Sutton closed in on the East Men’s League Division Two North West leaders with a win at high-flying St Neots.
The opening exchanges were cagey with the visitors’ defence of Michael Donaghy, Joshua Fyson, Dan Oldfield and Luke Proctor absorbing the pressure well.
At the other end, Nick Ellis, man of the match McKenzie East, Daniel Plant and Olly Taylor ran tirelessly to create chances and their attacking ventures prevailed after 25 minutes.
East’s goal rattled the hosts who responded with waves of counter attacks but failed to find a way back before half-time.
Sutton doubled their advantage 20 minutes into the second half when a quick aerial ball found East and he strolled into the D to finish neatly on his reverse.
St Neots were not going down without a fight and a couple of crucial saves from James Cliff preserved the away lead.
Fyson was shown a green card and the home team pulled their goalkeeper to go with 11 outfield players to try to salvage something from the game.
Their efforts were rewarded with a goal to set up an interesting final six minutes.
All 22 players were in the Sutton half for the majority of the remaining time but the visiting ranks stood firm to clinch victory.

Wisbech 2s 0 Long Sutton Men 2s 3
A stunning win at their derby rivals saw Sutton depose their hosts at the top of the Division Three North West table.
Sutton started well, shocking Wisbech who struggled to cope with Daniel Batten as he looked to continue his fine vein of goal scoring form.
It did not take him long to wreak havoc as he opened the scoring with a clinical finish after three minutes.
Before the hosts had time to collect themselves, Troy Croxford scored the goal of the game with a deflected finish after six minutes.
It was little surprise when Batten scored his second after 23 minutes and victory was secured thanks to a solid defensive performance.
Ben Hales was player of the match.

Long Sutton Ladies 1 0
Cambridge City 4s 2
Natalie Frost was player of the match for Sutton in their East Women’s League Division Two North West defeat.