FOOTBALL: EARLSWOOD Town suffered their first defeat of 2017 after losing by a single goal at home to Sutton United in the Midland League Division Two.
Sutton arrived at Malt House Lane determined to make amends for their 5-1 defeat in the corresponding fixture back in December.
With half of the games in Division Two falling victim to the wet weather, this was never going to be a classic game on a heavy pitch, but both sides fought hard and created chances in what turned out to be a very even affair.
The visitors made the perfect start by taking the lead with just four minutes on the clock when the ball was played into the home penalty area and blasted home on the edge of the box.
Earlswood looked for a quick response but they could find no way past a stubborn Sutton defence.
With 25 minutes on the clock Anton Nunes was put through on goal but the Sutton keeper did well to convert the ball behind for a corner.
Nine minutes later a Sutton striker created a chance for himself but was left dismayed after seeing his shot hit the cross bar before it was cleared.
Daniel Jarrett had a golden chance to pull Earlswood level before the break but the visiting goalkeeper managed to push his effort round the post.
Both teams were getting tired on the heavy pitch after the break and for the first 15 minutes of the second half the game became scrappy. Earlswood were awarded a free kick after 71 minutes just outside the Sutton penalty area but Steve Barret hit his effort well over the bar.
Four minutes later Earlswood keeper Khane Barlow was called into action when he parried a good Sutton effort out for a corner while at the other end Daniel Jarrett had a header saved by the Sutton keeper.
Although both sets of players were getting tired they tried to create chances but both defences were liable to make mistakes.
The home side were slightly on top for the last few minutes but a well marshalled Sutton defence held on to take all three points.
