Sudbury I 2, City of Peterborough III 2SUDBURY picked up their first point since early December with a 2-2 draw at Peterborough. As per last week, when they lost 4-2 to IES, Sudbury dominated the game and should have left with all three points.

Sudbury I 2, City of Peterborough III 2

SUDBURY picked up their first point since early December with a 2-2 draw at Peterborough. As per last week, when they lost 4-2 to IES, Sudbury dominated the game and should have left with all three points.

Sudbury bossed the first half, the midfield of Clubb, Chambers, Burton and Barrett getting plenty of time on the ball. However, with their first and only attack of the half, Peterborough scored. A ball was flicked down the right flank which the Peterborough forward ran onto and crossed to an unmarked team mate who finished easily.

Sudbury responded to this sucker-punch well, and were almost level straight away. Abrey was released down the right, beat a couple of defenders and drove into the 'D', where he squared the ball to Bevan who fired wide with the goal at his mercy.

The second half continued with Sudbury having most of the possession and playing all the hockey. Peterborough tried to play on the break with limited success thanks to tight marking from Thorpe, Harrington, Underhay and Bullock.

Midway through the half Sudbury scored from a well worked short corner. Harrington dragged the ball wide of the right-hand post to Hann who deflected the ball goalwards. The ball struck a defender on the line but the umpire played a good advantage as Burton picked up the rebound and finished from less than a yard out.

This goal should have been the catalyst Sudbury needed to go on and get a well deserved win. However, a drop in concentration and a poor piece of defending allowed Peterborough to retake the lead almost immediately.

In previous weeks Sudbury's heads would have fallen, but Burton and Chambers in the middle of the park continued with a high intensity and Sudbury created more chances. With the next short corner won Sudbury set up as they had for their goal. When Harrington shaped to drag wide of the post once again the whole Peterborough defence shifted right and Harrington simply dragged into the open left-hand side of the goal.

At the final whistle both teams were satisfied with a point.

Next week Sudbury have a must-win game against an Ipswich side who are below them in the league.

Brentwood ladies I 0, Sudbury Ladies I 2

After some unfortunate results in the league Sudbury were looking for three points to get them back to winning ways. Sudbury put pressure on Brentwood from the start with a cross from Humphreys passing the far post and short corners being won.

After one of these early attacks a long corner was given which saw Spooner play a ball in that eluded everyone except Coleman who guided it into the goal.

Although Brentwood did create chances great defensive work from Clarke and saves from goalie Mackay made sure they couldn't capitalise. With some great balls played up the line by Colton and Stephens Sudbury had numerous chances but were unable to convert until a scramble in the D saw Coleman flick over the keeper to score her second.

After the break Sudbury took control of the game with player-of-the-match Tracy Caddock applying continuous pressure down the left wing and linking well with Mills to create chances for Coleman and Shepherdson. The defence played the ball well, switching the play around the back and with good midfield play from Farr and Sloan

Sudbury were always on the front foot. When the final whistle went Sudbury were relieved as the win gives them momentum for the tough games next weekend.

Sudbury Ladies IV 1, Grasshopper Ladies 2

SUDBURY were unlucky not to capitalise on a number of early scoring opportunities.

A fine performance from defender Emma Bonner saw her working hard to push the ball up to Sudbury's forward line. Daisy Palmer and Molly May made many driving runs down the wings with some strong crosses into the 'D'. Sudbury's midfield had a particularly strong game, linking well and helping the team to push forward.

Midway through the first half Alice King made a break with the ball, taking it into the 'D' and executing a fine solo shot into the back of the net. Sudbury continued to work hard for the rest of the half, earning many short corners.

After a half-time team talk Sudbury continued to dominate the game and support one another. Few attacks were made on the Sudbury defence but the occasional break was cleared quickly and effectively. A threatening short corner midway through the second half was cleared brilliantly by Elee Brebner who on her debut as goalkeeper deserved the player-of-the-match award.

Sudbury were pleased with their performance and look forward to a tough battle next week against top of the table team, Christchurch.