The visiting league leaders were on form

The first game back after the long Christmas break against league leaders Long Sutton 2's seemed a daunting prospect for the Dragons especially on a cold foggy January morning. Initially the game was a fairly even affair with debutant Euan Johnson close to scoring after coming in from his left half position to meet a cross from the right. However midway through the first half the league leaders started to take control of the game and the class of their midfield trio started to create chances. The Sutton forwards took their chances powerfully and clinically including a number of high quality shots on the reverse which the very experienced defenders and Jack Langley in goal could do nothing about. The first half ended 5-0. The dragons had a good squad and after a reshuffle at halftime Callum Howitt and Jason Purllant came into centre midfield to give Dragons a more defensive feel. The changes made a difference and although Long Sutton had a few more chances. Jack Langley in goal and Eliot Bates in defence kept the Sutton forwards down to just one goal in the second half. For the dragons as the half progressed they pushed forward to at least try for a consolation goal against the league leaders. A number of penalty corners were forced and with the very last play of the match the promising Mark Hotchkin injected another penalty corner, after the initial shot was saved the ever athletic goal machine Eliot Bates popped up to slot home the rebound with the very last touch of match. Second half finished 1-1, but the match ended in a 6-1 defeat for the Dragons