After a productive pre-season, Finchfield mens 2s were all set to begin the 2022/23 season, after gaining promotion last season, with an away fixture at Sutton Coldfield.

With a new captain, Ian Bradley, Finches aimed to go at Sutton hard from the start. Unfortunately the exact opposite happened. A slow start saw the home side win an early PC at which it appeared to all to be struck outside the circle. Nobody was more convinced than Parker who confidently stepped over the ball. The gasps were audible when the umpire signalled for a goal. This and this alone justifiably earned the Finches keeper the coveted DoD award. Finchfield soon found themselves 2 down after a deft touch from the Sutton winger beat Matt Stephens and Parker.

Finchfield didn't give up though and started to assert pressure. Fantastic moves spearheaded by Saunders were causing the hosts defence issues. It wasn't long before Bradley pulled one back with a sweet reverse in open play. Boosted by this Finchfield turned up the pace, to which Sutton soon crumbled again when Saunders equalised with another reverse from the breakdown play.

HT 2-2

The second half started with Finchfield getting the better of the possession reducing Sutton to a few rare counters l, but the back three of Dyson , Stoko and Kiddi had the measure of them.

It wasn't long into the second half that Buchan put the visitors in the lead, deflecting and delivery from Andy Stephens.

A well fired shot from Sutton produced an acrobatic stick save from Parker to keep the net safe. This caused Sutton to let their heads drop and Finchfield took full advantage. After sustained pressure and several good chances, Derrick finally extended the lead. This was quickly followed by a fumbled goal from Blewitt who was impersonating 'the worm' to force the ball he. The now traditional Shearer style celebration was well received.

Managing the game well and with Dyson finding plenty of space for Larkin, Derrick and Jeevan up the line, Finches denied the hosts any further realistic chances and were awarded a PC in the dying seconds. After a well worked move and a bit of a scramble Saunders netted his second of the game and made it six for Finches, securing the three points for Finchfield.

Man of the Match was awarded to Harvey Derrick. Congratulations Harvey.

Next week sees Finchfield host Edgbaston 3s at The Royal Wolverhampton School. #COYF