REPORT: Sutton Coldfield Town 0-2 Quorn
By Kurt Barnes
Quorn were victorious against ten-man Sutton Coldfield Town as late goals for Rodrigo Goncalves and Cain Noble decided a fiery affair that saw The Reds stretch their unbeaten start to 22 games, and marked an 11th straight away win.
The start of the game was scrappy and not favouring Quorn who struggled early on. Sutton Coldfield came out determined to make it a difficult contest. The first 15 minutes were disappointing for both sides, as they struggled to play in the blustery conditions. Quorn had their first real chance in the 21st minute when Jordan Clarke put in a cross that was met with by Cain Noble but, unfortunately, his header was well saved by Sutton ‘keeper James Wren.
The hosts had provided a bit of a physical test but didn’t really create an opportunity of real note until the 34th minute when Tom Allsopp was called into action, getting down to make a smart save to keep it 0-0. Just a few minutes later, the Reds had a great opportunity to take the lead when Jack York found himself in some space but he was unlucky to see his powerful strike sail well over.
The best chance of the half from the Reds came on the 43rd minute when a freekick was fired in and the team were unlucky not to take the lead, with the ball hitting the post after a touch in the box. Despite not being at their best, Quorn looked the more likely to score, having two goals ruled out for offside before the break.
Quorn started the second half slowly and the travelling fans had to wait until the 59th minute to see anything of real note. Zak Goodson decided to have a go from long range and was unlucky not to score, forcing a good save from Wren. Luca Alonzi, who had scored two goals last time out, was in with his first real chance on the 66th minute forcing a superb save from James Wren.
Tensions boiled over in the 75th minute when the hosts’ tough tackling finally backfired as Luke McGinnell slid in late on Rodrigo Goncalves, who was lucky to escape a serious injury. The Royals, who were already visibly tiring, had to play the last 15 minutes of normal time with 10 men.
The red card had worked wonders for the visitors who were even more fired up and pushing for a winner. Goodson’s effort just a few minutes later, went agonisingly close to opening the score. Two minutes later Quorn were in again, this time Mason Frizelle had a decent effort on goal from a corner but couldn’t keep it down.
The 90th Minute provided a moment of magic for the Reds and their travelling support. Substitute Goncalves opened the scoring after a superb one-two with Jack Samples had played him in on goal, shooting low through Wren’s legs. It had been coming and was met with jubilation by players and supporters alike.
That looked as though it was going to be enough, but just four minutes later they grabbed another when Noble was played through on a looping ball that he burst onto and smashed past Wren who was coming out to narrow the angle. Every one of his teammates rushed over to join in the celebrations for a tremendous win that felt like a massive three points. Next up for Quorn is a tasty Boxing Day derby game against local rivals Shepshed Dynamo.