The home team made a lively start attacking straight from the off. This enthusiasm was soon curtailed however as Sutton struck first after only 5 minutes. Pushback was taken and just seconds later Sutton doubled the score... 0-2 after 6 minutes. Sutton were in complete control at this stage of the game and just a few minutes later won a short corner after some clever play. Bang...0-3! The first ten minutes had come as a huge shock to the boys and it would have been easy for heads to drop.

However.....

North Staffs 4s have managed in recent seasons to achieve back to back promotions and have risen to this position often through grit and determination and they weren't about to take this lying down! The team went on the attack and won a short corner. Following a melee of sticks the ball flew high into the air which allowed Zach Edwards the chance to unleash an overhead smash that Pete Sampras would have been proud of. 1-3. Back in with a chance.

That goal seemed to give a boost of confidence to the team and they went straight on the attack and won another short corner just minutes later.
The injection went straight out to Nathan Price, who, after some instinctive control after an initial block from the Sutton defence, managed to slot the ball home. 2-3. We couldn't....could we? 15 mins of breathless action.

The following 15 minutes were fast paced and hard fought from both sides with both keepers making some good saves. 2 minutes before the break came yet another short corner for the home side. Some more good play from Nathan Price resulted in a shot on goal which was stopped on the line by a Sutton leg after an unfortunate deflection. Penalty flick awarded. Stu Fletcher stepped up to the spot to take on the challenge and square up to the Sutton keeper. 3-3!

Half time came and the chance for both teams to take a well deserved break and come to terms with a frantic first half of hockey.

The second half started with both sides looking cagey and reluctant to take too many risks. It looked like both sides had set up more solidly and a piece of magic would be needed. Step up Matt Bennion. After a quickly taken long corner which was pulled back to Nathan, he delivered the ball into the D with a characteristic smash. Matt Benion then pulled off an instinctive deflection from a cleverly angled stick from the edge of the D which flew into the top left corner of the goal. 4-3!

30 minutes remained in the game and Sutton were starting to look shell shocked following the turnaround in fortunes but they continued to play some excellent attacking hockey. The North Staffs defence remained resolute however and bodies were being put on the line with Rich Halket taking a strong Sutton hit directly in the chest. He bounced straight back up to his feet however much to the surprise of all in attendance. This show of strength typified the team's performance for a hard fought victory.

The final whistle came and celebrations began for the North Staffs boys. After a tough beginning to the campaign this victory could not have come at a better time and what a fantastic way to get the first points of the season with an incredible comeback. Well done all!!

Goal scorers : Zach Edwards, Nathan Price, Stu Fletcher, Matthew Bennion
Player of Match : Zach Edwards.