After last weeks promising performance, Sudbury made the long away trip to Huntingdon. The match was to take place in very blustery conditions with the wind having a heavy impact on play.                                                                                                                                   Sudbury were kicking against the wind in the first half and were having to keep the ball down to make any progress going forward with the ball.  Sudbury were almost off to a dream start when a quick interchange between Emma Squirrell and Natalie Golding sent Jess Shepherdson through on goal, however the keeper pulled off a great save to deny AFC.  Huntingdon sent an early shot just over the bar from range moments before receiving a free kick 25 yards out. The free kick was taken superbly, with the wind behind it, the ball nestling into the top left hand corner of the net. With a quarter of an hour played, Chloe Mills burst clear through on goal only for the keeper to be quick of her line and make an impressive save. Huntingdon were playing the much better football against a Sudbury side whose performance was proving to be somewhat lacklustre.  Huntingdon almost doubled their lead when a defensive clearance was deflected back over the defence where a Huntingdon player’s shot went fortunately wide for AFC.  Sudbury almost drew level just before the half time whistle courtesy of a Jess Shepherdson free kick, which was saved well by the keeper at the right hand post.

Half time score:  Huntingdon Town 1 – 0 AFC Sudbury Ladies.

With a disappointing first half performance, Sudbury made an improved start to the second half with the wind now in their favour.  The introduction of Kayleigh Steed into the midfield area helped to get the ball out wide as Sudbury began to apply the pressure. Despite Sudbury’s danger on the attack, they lacked the final goal scoring touch and grew increasingly more frustrated. Huntingdon’s keeper was by far the best player on the pitch and once again denied Sudbury with another great save from a Jodie Sharp shot across goal just after the hour mark.   Sudbury were to finally get the goal that had been coming for so long with 7 minutes left to play. Emma Squirrell played a brilliant flick through to Natalie Golding who slid the ball past the on running keeper with ease. AFC pushed for a winner going with 3 up front for the remaining frantic few minutes. Sudbury almost clinched a win when Kayleigh Steed headed goal wards, only for the keeper to make the save on the goal line. Huntingdon then hit the post before Natalie Golding’s long range effort skimmed the crossbar.

Final Score: Huntingdon Town 1 – 1 AFC Sudbury Ladies.

The match was a disappointing performance from AFC against a team who had not gained a point from 7 matches. Complacency and a lacklustre start from Sudbury cost them in a match where they should have produced more. Sudbury were unlucky not to take a win from a much improved second half performance, however an excellent performance from Huntingdon’s keeper ensured the home team gained their first point of the season.

Next Sunday Sudbury face another long away trip to take on Fakenham, who currently sit above AFC in the table.