It was joy for the Suds at home for the first time this season, as we beat Bromsgrove Sporting 2-0.
Early on, we dominated possession, winning the ball quicker than ever, hungrier to win than ever. As we further put ourselves on the front foot with the ball, our attack of Joe Neal, Adam Mills, Malachi Napa and new signing Reuben Marshall looked more fluid than any match so far. Switching positions, driving with the ball, creating chances; not bad for two home debuts and a return home debut, they looked like they had played together for years! However, despite our dominant start we just couldn’t find that opener, that was until the final five minutes of the half. Adam Mills capitalised on a poor clearance, and he danced his way through the bodies surrounding him, he slipped through Joe Neal who did what he does best, scoring. He smashed the ball into the near side of the goal and the ‘keeper had no chance. A huge moment! Right at the end of the half, we nearly went two goals up. A lovely ball was met by the head of Reuben Marshall, but it flashed just wide of the goal, and denied him a debut goal.

In the second half we continued to dominate possession, but Bromsgrove had a few more chances. A fierce effort was hit into the side netting, a heart in mouth moment for the Suds. Bradders was forced into a good save after a deflected effort gained some speed, as it travelled towards goal, but our number one passed the test with flying colours. With just under 30 minutes to play, Malachi drove towards goal and his shot was denied by the post before bouncing off the goalie and then out of play. Close. Into the final ten minutes, Sudbury left the pitch... and Brazil came onto it! Ben Hunter won the ball and dinked a lovely pass to Malachi, who flicked it first time to Adam Mills, who used the outside of his boot to play a delightful pass to Joe Neal, who tapped in past the ‘keeper to all but seal the three points for the Suds! Tiki-Taka! Romario nearly made it 3-0 off the bench but his venomous strike went inches past the post. After five minutes were added on, the ref finally blew the whistle, as relief and joy spread around the pitch and the stands.

A brilliant performance from the lads. Every single one of them put in a shift, the tactics were perfect, the decision making on and off the ball was perfect, the result is perfect. We go to Long Eaton, as the big games just don’t stop. Maybe we need to move the dugouts permanently, eh?

UP THE SUDS

By Isaac Mennie