A late header from Michael Cafferkey sentenced Long Sutton Athletic to their first defeat in five games on Saturday.
After a goalless first half against ChromaSport PDFL rivals Warboys Town at London Road, Sutton succumbed to a 2-1 loss against a Warboys Town side that Magpies player/boss Matt Cawthorn later dubbed “the best side they’ve played this season”.
The highlight of the first period saw Cawthorn have a goal controversially disallowed for offside.
Warboys took the lead early in the second half when star man Cafferkey scored from the spot after a defensive mix-up.
Sutton battled back as Cawthorn levelled 25 minutes from time – then 16-year-old Jamal Nyang put a free header wide.
It proved costly, with Cafferkey headed home a long ball at the back post from close range two minutes from time to give Warboys the points.
Cawthorn said: “I thought we looked strong and solid as a unit in the first half. We kept our shape and discipline against a big side, who tried to take advantage of their size – but we stood up to the task.
“A defensive mix-up cost us in the second half, but the pleasing thing was that we showed character and stuck to the task and got our reward with an equaliser.
“Young Jamal Nyang should have scored with a free header which, maybe would have changed the outcome of the game, but I have a lot of praise for him. He’s a young lad finding his feet in adult football and was in the right position. As the game wore on we looked the only side likely to score, but disaster struck and they got the winner.
“Our unbeaten run is over – and it is a shame it ended like that – but we go back and start again.
“To be fair, Warboys are the best side we’ve faced this season.
“I want to see a positive reaction in the next game against King’s Cliffe.
“From my perspective, maybe the team has become a little predictable – so I will look to bring in a fresh face or two in the next week or so. I’ve got to keep my players – and myself – on our toes. Competition is healthy.”
Sutton: Taylor, Wayman, Ramm, Melton, Bennett, W Oliver, Radeloff, Narducci, Moses, M Ward, Cawthorn. Subs used: M Oliver, Nyang. Not used: Brandon.
Match ball sponsor: MRA Home Services.
