Long Sutton Athletic were belatedly able to celebrate making progress in the ChromaSport PDFL Chairman Championship Shield after seeing off Netherton Reserves 3-0 on Saturday.
It’s the second time the tie has had to be played after the referee refused to allow Netherton to use roll on/roll off substitutions in the first game, which the Magpies won 2-0.
Still, goals from player/boss Matt Cawthorn, Sam Moses and Damien Ramm ensured that justice was done for Sutton at London Road.
It’s now five games unbeaten for them and, after a sticky start to the season, the Magpies’ chief feels he and his team are improving.
Cawthorn said: “Having to replay the game was motivation in itself.
“This time out we went one better and scored three, but it wasn’t our best performance by a long way.
“We’ve played a lot better and lost. But we’re now five unbeaten after a tricky start to our season, so that’s pleasing.
“Especially not playing overly well and still winning 3-0. There was positives and negatives to take from this game, and personally I’m learning a few valuable things about management.
“But there was only one way Netherton were going to score – and that was if we let them or made mistakes.”
Sutton took an early lead when Cawthorn himself fired home a left-footed finish from 12 yards, before a delightful ball from Billy Radeloff allowed the in-form Moses to coolly slot the second into the net.
The Magpies invited a bit of pressure early in the second period, but clinched the victory when sub Ramm buried a free kick.
Sutton: Taylor, Wayman, Nicholson, Bennett, Brandon, M Oliver, Narducci, W Oliver, Radeloff, Moses, Cawthorn. Subs: Ramm, Ward, Treacher.
Match sponsor: Henry’s Fish Bar.
Other results: President Premier Shield – Stamford Lions 2 Netherton 4. Chairman Championship Shield – Kings Cliffe 3 Warboys Tn 1 (AET). League Shield – Whaplode Drove 3 Ramsey Tn Res 2.
