MATCH REPORT: Season opener ends in defeat

Sutton Bonington narrowly lost their opening game of the Division 1 Senior League season by a single goal.

Sutton started brightly and created chances throughout the game but Birstall's keeper was on top form to keep the home team on level terms.

Five minutes in, debutant winger Ayo Ayodele whipped the ball into the box, James Dann stretched and got his foot to it but the Birstall keeper reacted well to keep the score at 0-0.

Ten minutes later a free kick from Jordan Crosland was heading for the top corner only to be tipped round the post for a corner.

It wasn't all Sutton though as Birstall threatened on the break. Ollie Smith was lucky to not be carded when halting a Birstall break midway through the 1st half.

Just after half time another Jordan Crosland free kick finally beat the Birstall keeper, but crashed against the bar instead. Straight down the other end of the pitch Birstall also hit the bar.

A third Crosland free kick was tipped over on 55 minutes, and the resulting corner flashed across the face of goal avoiding everyone.

The Birstall keeper made further saves from shots from Sam Orton and new signing Sam Gee, before Birstall hit the woodwork again on 68 minutes.

Birstall finally broke the deadlock on 70 minutes when Sutton lost possession and a quick through ball was converted. This took wind out of Sutton and they were unable to create anything else.

The game ended 1-0 and whilst the Sutton lads were disappointed, there were lots of positives for manager Jack Tormey to take out of the game.