Market Drayton were looking to extend their winning run to seven games and started brightly, taking control of the game from the outset. Drayton moved the ball well, regularly finding themselves in dangerous areas and giving Sutton Coldfield very little opportunity to threaten. Despite their dominance and creating the better chances, Drayton were unable to find the breakthrough.
Against the run of play, Sutton Coldfield found themselves in front of the Market Drayton goal. The initial shot was well saved by the Drayton goalkeeper, but the rebound fell kindly to a Sutton forward, who made no mistake in converting.
The goal prompted Drayton to raise the tempo, determined not to head into half-time behind. Their persistence paid off in the 29th minute when James Coggins found the equaliser.
Half-time: 1-1.
Drayton had enjoyed the majority of possession and created the better opportunities, but needed to be more clinical in front of goal.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Market Drayton continuing to control much of the play. However, Sutton Coldfield were awarded a short corner following a dangerous clearance, which they converted with a low shot that somehow found its way through the Drayton defence and beyond the goalkeeper.
Trailing 2-1, Drayton once again responded positively, increasing the pressure and looking to get back on level terms. Steve Lloyd produced a superb individual effort to restore parity, making it 2-2.
Determined to keep their winning run intact, Drayton continued to press high up the pitch, although this left opportunities for Sutton Coldfield to exploit the space in behind. Both sides had chances to find a winner, but as the game entered its closing stages, it looked as though the points might be shared.
That was until the 64th minute, when Drayton were awarded a short corner. Jordan Chevins stepped up and delivered a trademark drag flick to find the back of the net and put Market Drayton ahead for the first time in the game.
Despite a tense finish, Drayton held on to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory, extending their winning run to seven games. Another great team effort, showing plenty of character and determination to find a way to win even when things weren’t going their way.
