Sutton Schools' Borough U11s had to show all their fighting spirit to overcome previously unbeaten Waltham Forest 2-1 in the London Shield semi-final on Saturday, writes Roger Easthope.
In the opening minutes the visitors looked lively and the Sutton defence had to work hard to snuff out a number of attacks.
With the game delicately poised, Sutton took the lead when skipper Bradley Sexton scored from close range following a corner but Waltham Forest hit back almost immediately and equalised from a corner of their own.
The second half followed a similar pattern of a titanic struggle between two quality sides until Ed Mason popped up and looped a long range shot over the keeper. In the closing stages, Waltham Forest threw everything they had at Sutton but with centre backs Reece Hanningan and Ieuan Whyte in outstanding form and Jack Jebb and Bradley Sexton bossing the midfield, Sutton held on for a magnificent team victory and a place in the London Final against Hackney.
Player of the match with a series of crucial stops was goalkeeper Jack Bolt.
Sutton: Bolt, Thomson (St. Dunstan's), Bradley, Samuel (Stanley Park), Hannigan (Collingwood), Matthews, Sexton - Capt. (Robin Hood), Ormonde-Ottewill (Bandon Hill), Mason, Whyte (Camden), Henry, Jebb (Cheam Park Farm), Brindley (Dorchester), Stanley (Brookfield)
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article