Bishops Stortford5

Long Sutton2

(Printwize East Premier A League)BISHOPS Stortford continued their positive start to the season with a convincing win against league strugglers Long Sutton. Without really ever hitting top form, Stortford managed to control the game from start to finish.

The early pressure was all created by the home team, but they were very wasteful in front of goal and went behind when Long Sutton won and converted a short corner on a rare foray forward.

This had the effect of stirring the home side into action and they scored two quick goals from Vernon Brown and Will Defoe.

Having got themselves in front, Stortford once again took their foot off the gas and seemed to prefer to control the game and play within themselves.

They did extend the lead early in the second half when Dan Lochhead pounced on a rebound from a penalty corner save. But, once again they were shocked into action by a Long Sutton goal from a penalty corner and with only one goal between the teams the game was in the balance.

However this Stortford team have great faith in their ability and rather than close up shop and try to defend the narrow lead they increased the tempo of the game and extended their advantage with strikes from Richard Jones and Ed Peachey.

Stortford captain John Shepherd continues to be pleased with the team's progress, although he warned: "So far we have only played teams in the bottom half of the table and although its great to be at the top there are clearly going to be some bigger challenges ahead. We are going to have to concentrate for the full game rather than just play in phases."

Next week is looking like a crucial fixture with first-placed Stortford travelling to third-placed Broxbourne and second placed Crostyx travelling to fourth placed Harleston.

Darren Brown, Vernon Brown, Tom Bull, Tony Colclough, Will Defoe, Richard Jones, Daniel Lochhead, Matt Morris, Ed Peachey, Scott Shearing, John Shepherd & Craig Smith.