In-form Long Sutton Athletic moved into the top six of ChromaSport PDFL Division One table by beating Peterborough Polonia 2-1 at London Road on Saturday.
With skipper Billy Oliver missing, Polonia put the Magpies under ample pressure in the first period without being able to break the deadlock.
Sutton created chances of their own, however, and looked the better side early in the second half before they got caught on the break and fell behind on 54 minutes thanks to a Patryk Kopiejka goal.
That seemed to rally the hosts and they quickly replied through a great finish from Matty Oliver – who was a thorn in Polonia’s side all afternoon through his non-stop running and pace.
The winning goal then came five minutes from the end, Billy Radeloff delivering a brilliant corner to the far post where it was met by a towering header from Lawrence Brandon, who made no mistake.
Player/boss Matt Cawthorn praised the performance of his side and highlighted the positive atmosphere in the Sutton dressing room.
Cawthorn said: “What a great game – attitudes were spot-on.
“The boys were determined and, in all honesty, I knew there would only be one team who won. The character of the lads was terrific.
“Credit to Sean Gedney and Lawrence Brandon at the back, they’ve been superb together. But that’s two goals in two games for Lawrence too.
“The dressing room is a good place to be at the minute, we’re full of confidence.
“The determination is there to help our team-mates and win games.
“On Saturday we travel to Moulton Reserves, which will be another tricky game which we have to manoeuvre around before our final the following week.”
Sutton: Taylor, Ramm, Bennett, Gedney, Brandon, Radeloff, Brothwell, Ward, M Oliver, Moses, Cawthorn. Sub used: Melton. Not used: Garner, Rumsey.
Attendance: 50.
Match ball sponsor: Matty Oliver.
