Long Sutton Athletuc player/boss Matt Cawthorn felt Saturday’s 2-2 ChromaSport PDFL Division One draw at Netherton United Reserves was two points dropped for his side.
Sutton were twice behind in the first period, with a Billy Oliver strike from a Cawthorn free kick sandwiched inbetween goals from Patrik Biros (36) and Liam Smith (45).
They levelled with the goal of the game when Cawthorn lashed a left-footed 25-yarder into the top corner following Luke Nicholson’s floated pass.
Netherton also had Daniel Gilbert sent off, but the Magpies were unable to make their numerical advantage pay.
“The first 45 minutes had a real Christmas feel to it,” said Cawthorn, who now has 26 goals in 20 starts this season.
“We were lacklustre and couldn’t string a five-yard pass together or win first or second balls.
“In the second half we swapped a couple of lads around and got some energy in the centre of the park and started to play how I know my boys can.
“We kept the ball and were creating chances.
“From that moment of drawing level I thought there was only going to be one winner – but it wasn’t to be.
“We’ll take a draw away from home but all in all I feel it’s two points dropped.”
Sutton go into the Christmas break in seventh place, six points off the top four.
Sutton: Taylor, Nicholson, Melton, Bennett, M Oliver, Narducci, B Oliver, Moses, Ward, Esposito, Cawthorn. Subs used: Rumsey, Allen.
- Long Sutton Athletic Reserves saw their winless run extended to six games on Saturday after a 2-0 ChromaSport PDFL Division Four loss to Whaplode Drove.
Despite showing glimpses of good football, Simon Black’s team are stuck in a rut at the moment and will be looking to turn things around in the new year.
Missing captain Liam Rumsey, Sutton couldn’t quite win the midfield battle to create enough chances for the forwards.
A completely uncharacteristic mistake from goalkeeper Luke Burton allowed Drove to go ahead and Sutton never recovered.
The Drove goals came from Harry Grigas and Joe Strickland.
Match ball sponsor: Steve Taylor.
