Progress Made In Good Win

Three first half goals saw AFC Sudbury progress in the FA Trophy at the expense of their Ryman League South opponents for whom it was the first home defeat this season.

This was a fine team performance from David Batch’s side who extend their unbeaten run to seven games six of which have been victories.

Batch was forced to make a change with James Baker sitting out a one match ban. Overall Batch made four changes. Skipper Sam Clarke and Kris Newby returned from suspension, defender Craig Pope also came back and their was debut for midfielder Ollie Berquez recently signed from Maldon and Tiptree.

Sudbury were quickly out of the blocks and new signing Berquez came close to scoring in the first minute but his shot was just too high.

This set the pattern for the first half with the Kent side on the back foot from some fine Sudbury attacking and it was no surprise when the deadlock was broken after 15 minutes. A fine Sudbury build-up found Kris Newby wide left and his cross was headed home by skipper Sam Clarke (pictured) to give the Suffolk side the lead.

Newby shot inches wide and Jack Wilkinson had a shot cleared off the line before Sudbury doubled their lead after 19 minutes when a through ball found Clarke who rifled home his second of the game.

It was 28 minutes before Whitstable threatened but Tom Loynes fired over and three minutes before the break Kane Rowland headed over from a good position.

These were rare chances by the home side who had been under almost constant pressure but some desperate defending prevented further goals until first half stoppage time when a free kick into the home box caused problems and Berquez opened his Sudbury account when he netted from close range to put his side 3-0 ahead at the break. That virtually ended the game as a contest.

Half time: Whitstable Town 0 AFC Sudbury 3

The second half was a more even affair but Luke Watkins in the home goal made two great saves to prevent his side falling further behind.

Three minutes from time Whitstable scored a consolation goal when Joe Kennett headed home from a right wing corner.
But it was too little too late and Sudbury were worthy winners from an entertaining and sporting game in which the referee kept his cards in his pocket.

Sudbury’s win has earned a trip to Ryman Premier side Bognor Regis in the next round on Saturday 1 November, with a prize fund of £2,700 at stake.

Att 192

Pat Arbon