Chief Cawthorn wants Long Sutton Athletic to turn draws into wins after Whittlesey thriller

Long Sutton Athletic player-boss Matt Cawthorn wants his side to start turning draws into wins after they were held 3-3 by Whittlesey Reserves on Saturday.

The Magpies are now unbeaten in their last four games, but have won just one league match after being held on four other occasions.

Cawthorn was pleased how his side reacted to going behind on Saturday, having initially led 2-1 at the half-time break.

He said: “Six games ago we would have lost this match so we must take the positives.

“It proves we have passion and character now, but we just need to start turning the draws into wins and begin climbing the table.”

Sutton held the interval advantage after Sam Moses had put them ahead following a determined run by Matty Oliver.

A defensive mix up then allowed Magpies skipper Billy Oliver to squeeze home from a tight angle.

However, Sutton were far from their best after the break and Whittlesey regained the initiative to lead 3-2.

But Cawthorn picked out Martin Ward with a pinpoint pass for the substitute to score with his first touch and bring Sutton back on level terms.

Both sides had chances to snatch the victory with Sutton’s best opening falling to Cawthorn who fired straight at the keeper.

Sutton: Taylor, Ramm, Melton, Brandon, Bennett, M Oliver, Moses, Radeloff, W Oliver, Treacher, Cawthorn. Sub used: Ward. Not used: Wayman, Garner.

  • Sutton’s Reserve boss Grant Varnham labelled his side’s exit from the League Cup at the hands of lower league AFC Orton on Saturday as ‘one to forget.’

Long Sutton went ahead after Shane Millar continued his fine form in front of goal, capitalising on a lapse in defence from a throw-in and slotting away.

The home team, however, seemed fired up by this and came out all guns blazing, scoring three unanswered goals.

Varnham said: “To be honest, our goal came against the run of play. There only seemed one team fired up on the day and it wasn’t mine.

“Yes we created chances, but our lack of desire and work rate on the day cost us.

“I’ve told the lads it’s one to forget, switch off and we go again on Saturday. We’d like to wish AFC Orton the best of luck in the next round.”

  • Long Sutton Athletic’s under-18s kicked off their new season with a 4-2 home loss against Wisbech St Mary under-18s.

Ted Haime (2), Cameron Lee and Sam Knott bagged for the visitors, with Levi Butland and Michael Palmer on-target for the Magpies.

Sutton chief Tom Kierman said: “We started off slowly and as the first half went on we were slowly losing our shape.

“They had more dominant possession and scored two goals early on, but at the back end of the first half we started to get our shape back and won back a goal.

“We seemed more calm on the ball for the first 20 minutes of the second half but lost our shape completely towards the end and Wisbech punished us.”

more >

Man jailed for knife attack on ex-partner in Spalding street

4 Nov 2024

Investigation continues after man’s body found in Low Fulney

4 Nov 2024

‘Excellent news’ as £20m plan for Spalding set to go ahead say town board

1 Nov 2024

Spalding man denies historic sex offences

1 Nov 2024

Man denies sexual assault charges

31 Oct 2024

‘Welcome to Hell’ – Homes set to welcome Trick and Treaters

31 Oct 2024