RYMAN PREMIER DIVISION | Att : 1137
Sutton United – 2 [S.Watson 9], [M.Watson 63] Bromley – 0
So, it’s time our ever wonderful old ‘friends’ from Hayes Lane popped by to deliver another feast of their dull as fuck football, with a smidgin of sickening brutality chucked into the mix for good measure. I admit I was a tadge nervous about this one beforehand. Bromley always seem to give us a right going over and with them struggling in the bottom 3, I and others feared their strange dislike of us, combined with their normal characteristics of causing a riot and the odd red card, could upend our growing title bandwagon.
Sadly for the thuggish types from Kent, they failed miserably in their quest today. The boys went for the throat from the word go, never allowing them to get a foothold and establish a grinding trench warfare. Naz & Sammy Winston causing the visiting defenders no end of trouble straight away and Sutton went ahead after only 9 minutes in spectacular fashion. A Dave Harlow corner is solidly punched clear by the Bromley ‘keeper who was probably a bit gutted to see it fall straight onto the boot of Steve Watson on the edge of the box. Especially as his resulting volley rockets into the net. 1-0! More opportunities come our way, but only desperate defending by the visitors and good goalkeeping keeps the U’s at bay. Again we worry at the break about 1 goal not being enough to see this lot off. A second is definitely needed here.
The second half sees Sutton playing more confident, steady football. A particularly good move sees Dave Harlow almost certain to score, but a defender gets just the slightest touch to deflect his effort narrowly wide. Naz also has two good efforts just inches wide. JR switches it up and makes a change to bring Mark Watson on to replace Sammy Winston. Turns out it’s an inspired move as 2 minutes later the sub seals the game. Steve Watson storms down the flank, holds off the attentions of a defender, gets into the box and squares the ball to the unmarked Mark. He gets a poor touch on it, but it’s enough to send the ball looping up and drop just under the bar, over the keeper and into the net. The relief around the ground is obvious. That should do it I think!
As their league position dictates, Bromley desperately throw more bodies forward trying to salvage something from the game, but their basic tactic of thumping the ball as far forward as possible & chasing it fails badly and they cause few problems up front as most of their launches either just run out for goal kicks or straight through to the keeper. It’s probably because of this that they revert to type, the frustration starts to show and one of their forwards tries to amputate one of Danny Brooker’s legs with a bloody horrendous challenge.
The offender, Tompkins, amazingly only receives a caution for what could be classified as common assault and should see him disappearing down the tunnel somewhat early. It’s a ridiculous decision from the ref and inevitably leaves some lingering bad blood for the remainder of the game and basically causes the 3rd post-match tunnel scuffle in as many years we’ve had against this mob. As the players leave the pitch, Nko has a few choice words with Mr Tompkins about his earlier attack and deciding one count of assault isn’t enough for the day, he lashes out at the tall U’s forward. Quickly stewards intervene to break things up as the handbags start winding up. But not quickly enough to stop one onlooker from giving the lowlife Tompkins a good slap himself.
Back in the bar, the vidiprinter announces the joyous news that Aylesbury have only managed a 0-0 draw at Purfleet today and this draws a loud cheer from the assembled U’s fans. The result leaves us 7 clear of the Ducks with just 4 to play, we could finish it all off with a favourable result on Tuesday now!
Back in the pub for the night, another bonus bit of news is delivered when a phone call reveals that Carshalton have gone bottom of the league today thanks to their latest defeat. Oh happy days! It almost can’t get any better.
Almost.
Man Of the Match : Steve Watson. Another commanding display.
Entertainment Value : -10 for Bromley’s filthy hoof & run grot. 7 for our own performance.