AFC Sudbury’s first minute goal proved to be the match winner as Jamie Godbold’s side extended their winning start to the season to three games to remain top of the table.

A multi vehicle traffic accident on the M11 adjacent to the North Weald airfield meant a late arrival for the team coach and the kick off was delayed ten minutes. It could have been worse as some supporters who made their own way there by car did not arrive until almost half time!

They missed Sudbury making a super start as almost from the kick-off a fine sweeping move ended with Ben Robinson’s right wing cross being swept home by Liam Wales for his first goal for the club.

Sudbury went on to have by far the better of the game but some indifferent finishing, a post and some great saves by home keeper Glenn Williamson, who put in a man of the match performance, prevented further goals. Ryan Henshaw had a goal bound header cleared off the line before Williamson made his first of many fine saves to deny Ollie Canfer and then a post denied the same player.

Cheshunt strker Jason Hallett had an effort deflected from their first real attack and then he blasted over from a good position.
But generally the home attack caused few problems to a sound Sudbury defence.

Sudbury always looked the more threatening going forward and Henshaw burst into the Cheshunt penalty area but went down under a challenge only to be booked for diving. It seemed a harsh decision as there definitely appeared to be contact.

Canfer and Sam Clarke both brought fine saves from Williamson as Sudbury finished the half strongly.

Half time: Cheshunt 0 AFC Sudbury 1

At the start of the second half Luke Callander had a great chance to extend Sudbury’s lead but he curled his effort wide. That was the story of his day as he was guilty of failing to hit the target from some good positions.

As long as there was only one goal in it there was always the danger that Cheshunt would get a goal back but they rarely threatened and Sudbury keeper Ollie Bowles was not tested until the hour mark when he tipped Dave Kendall’s header over the bar.

Six minutes later both Sudbury’s James Baker and Cheshunt’s Tom Bruno were yellow carded for an off the ball incident.

Sudbury continued to look the more likely to score but Williamson proved unbeatable with a fine double save.

And so Wales’ early goal proved to be the match winner for Sudbury who could not have wished for a better start to the season with three fine wins.

Att 168

Pat Arbon