All aboard the rollercoaster

It was a performance to be proud of for the Suds, who showed fighting spirit, as a new look squad show what they’re capable of. We made four changes to the starting lineup; Philps replaced the suspended Bradbrook in goal, whilst the back three of Lewis, Oluwatimilehin, and Dickens was unchanged once again. In midfield there were two changes, new signings Jacob Pinnington and Afolabi Soyemi-Ololade both came in to the 11 starting on both flanks, in place of Ollie Brown and Callum Page, making it a midfield of Pinnington, Hunter, Turner (C), and Soyemi-Ololade. The final change in the lineup came in the front three. Last weekend's goalkeeping hero Romario Dunne dropped out for our third debutant Josh Allen, a venomous attack of Napa, Neal, and Allen.

The Sud’s started brightly, winning corners early on. Tom Dickens going close with a header but the ball just going the wrong side of the post. James Philp was called into action early on and made a couple of fantastic saves, including tipping a shot from close-range over the bar. Despite the bright start, half way through the opening 45, the home side took the lead with a header from Duffy. With 15 minutes of the half to go, Oz once again went close with a header but the ‘keeper did very well to get across to it. As half-time approached we went very close to finding an equaliser; a fantastic combination between Joe Neal and Josh Allen, followed by wonderful feet by Josh, in an attempt to get round the keeper, but it was well grabbed by the goalie.

Half-Time: Stamford AFC 1-0 AFC Sudbury

In the second half, we didn’t start the way we would have wanted to. Following a corner, James Blunden headed into our net in front of the home fans, as we looked dead and buried. We wouldn’t give up though. Just as the game began to become stale, the ref was forced to make a very big call: should he give the Suds a penalty? The first of 2024. Of course he should. Inside the penalty area, the Defender handled the ball. Up stepped Joe Neal and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, thanks to some mind games from fans behind the goal. With that goal the Yellows looked on a high. We made our first change as Josh Allen’s encouraging debut came to an end and Callum Page replaced him. With 20 minutes to go, Callum Page won a dangerous free kick. JT stood over it, with the left hand side of the goal gaping for him... and he only managed to curl it directly into the top corner of that left hand side, as we fought from two goals down to be level! There was a heart in mouth moment, as Stamford scored but the flag very quickly went up - halting the celebrations. As the match came to its conclusion, there was still time for one big call. In the 94th minute the referee pointed to the spot - another penalty given against us. The captain stepped up for the home side and... PHILPS SAVED IT! A magnificent save, as he dived the right way, to stop a very good penalty. As soon as the ball touched his glove, the ref blew for full time and we earned a very important point.

Full-Time: Stamford AFC 2-2 AFC Sudbury

Well, what a performance that was. Three magnificent debuts, who all showed what they’re capable of. I don’t know about you, but I’m excited for what's to come for the rest of this season. Next Up - Halesowen. We know this will be a tough game against a historic club. A match where we will have to fully be behind the team.

UP THE SUDS

By Isaac Mennie