With the weather forecast looking bleak, this game was in doubt but due to some great groundwork by Rob Bevis and the strong wind keeping the rain at bay the game was played.
This was always going to be a tough game with Galeforce winds blowing in every direction with constant showers making the playing surface very difficult. This was without the difficult task of facing today's opponents Sutton Utd who were looking to go top if they'd won the match.
We all knew this was not going to be the best footballing spectable and with Sutton's height and strength advantage also we knew we were in for a battle against all the elements.
The game got under way and Sandgate despite the conditions tried to pass the ball in the only style they know how which was pleasing to see but it soon became apparent that this was going to be difficult. The boys recognised that the ball wasn't rolling and was blowing to and throw in the wind which was affecting boths teams, however both sides continued to try to play football and it was Sutton who came close to scoring but a great goal line clearence from Ronnie Heath kept the scores level. Sandgate continued to push forward but couldn't find a way passed the big, stubborn Sutton re-guard. The game continued to flow from end to end before the Sutton forward found himself clear on goal but was denied by Jasper Bevis who flew off his line to get a hand to the ball which was then cleared by the Sandgate defence.
Few chances followed but a great game was developing with both teams working hard to gain the upper hand in this closely fought contest. However both teams went into the break with the score still 0-0.
The boys didn't need much motivation at half-time as they felt the game was there's to win and started the second half strongly with the tireless midfield three of Tyler Tanner, George Oydemi and Joe Weight breaking up the Sutton and attacks time after time and supporting the lively front three of Hubert Adamek, Thomas De Silva and Alex Stevens. Then another great move saw Thomas De Silva beat his man and pull the ball back for Hubert Adamek who just failed to make enough contact to trouble the Sutton keeper.
Sandgate made a change with Felipe Oggioni replacing the impressive Thomas De Silva who had earned a rest. This didn't change the momentum of the game and Sandgate continued to pressure Sutton which finally resulted in a goal when a corner was swung in from Joe Weight which was met but Harry Acutt who rose bravely at the near post and guided the ball from his header passed the diving keeper and into the net. 1-0 Sandgate. However Harry's bravery had resulted in a head collision which caused his eye to swell and he had to be replaced by Josh Mulhern who slotted in naturally at right back with Jonathan Bartholomew switching to the left.
With 15 minutes left to play Sutton pushed hard for an equalizer but couldn't find a way through the determined midfield and impressive back-line with every player fully focused on not conceding a goal today. Great organisation and desire by the whole team prevented Sutton from creating any clear chances with everyone including Hubert who defended tremendously from a flurry of Sutton corners keeping the narrow lead intact. Sandgate got there rewards when they broke with a great move between Alex Stevens and Hubert Adamek who squared the ball on the edge of the box to Joe Weight who cleverly disguised a pass on the outside of his boot to Felipe Oggini who took one touch then fired the ball into the back of the net to secure the three points for Sandgate.
A great team effort with every player scoring 10 out of 10 today.
Well done boys.
