Sutton Common Rovers 2-2 Broadbridge Heath

Heaths first ever match against Isthmian Central Division side Sutton Common Rovers who play their home games at Whyteleafe Sports Centre, former home of Whyteleafe FC.

The Calendar may say it’s the 26th July but the weather and temperature felt more like a cold November evening with heavy rain to boot.

The pitch looked very strange for a 3G surface covered in what appeared to be a thick layer of black dust with just the odd patch of green showing through but I’m sure it will be fine by the time the season starts.

Heath started well and had the first shot of goal on 12 minutes when Bradley Campbell advanced down the left, cut inside and hit a shot with his right foot that the Sutton keeper saved low at the near post.

Despite the good start it was the home side who took the lead midway through the half when a mix-up in defence allowed the Common striker a simple tap-in from 6 yards.

Heath equalised 10 minutes later when Campbell, coming in from the left, played the ball across the face of goal to Jake Lindsay who played it back to Tom Frankland who struck a right foot effort from 20 yards that was blocked on the line, the ball came back to Campbell who hit a low right foot shot in at the near post, 1-1 at the break.

Major changes to the line-ups at half-time and once again Heath started on the front foot and took an early lead when Zac Young won the ball off a Sutton player and then struck a left foot shot from 22 yards that dipped over the keeper into the net.

The home side gradually worked their way into the match and deservedly equalised on 67 minutes when a cross from the right found an unmarked Rovers forward who turned and rifled a right foot shot into the net to bring his team level.

Both sides had chances to win the match but the game ended with honours even, which on the night was probably the right result.

Next up for the Bears is our last friendly when we welcome Badshot Lea to the BodyMould Stadium on Saturday 29th July, Kick Off 3.00