New Long Sutton Athletic chief Danny Goddard was pleased to grab his first ChromaSport Peterborough League Division One point on Saturday – but felt his side could have taken all three.
The Magpies were held to a 1-1 draw by Stamford Belvedere in the first game of their campaign, in what was Goddard’s first competitive game in charge.
Sutton were the better side throughout and should really have built up an early lead as Mark Garner and Matty Cawthorn missed presentable openings.
Typically, Belvedere then scored from their first attempt when Paul Cramp latched onto a Luke Newbold flick and fired home. Ace goal-getter Cawthorn soon levelled from the penalty spot – and that’s how it stayed.
“I’d have taken a draw before kick-off,” admitted player/boss Goddard. “To be honest, I was a bit daunted by it all.
“But once we got playing we created a lot of chances and probably should have been 4-1 ahead at half time.
“I thought we responded really well to going behind and had a lot of the ball and I can’t fault any of my team.
“It’s all about not losing on the opening day and this will stand us in good stead for the next few games.”
Sutton visit Moulton Harrox Reserves tonight (Wednesday, 6.30pm), then host ICA Reserves on Saturday (3pm).
Sutton squad: Allen, Cawthorn, Congreve, Fitch, Garner, Nicholson, Rushmer, Taylor, Ward, Wayman, Williamson. Subs: Cooper, Goddard, Gomes, Moses.
