While the first months of 2024 have largely been a miserable affair for all things connected with SAFC, the Branch football team are one happy exception. Since the turn of the year we've tasted defeat only once in ten games, and have put together a five game running streak to shoot us up the rankings.
Last night's fixture was likely to provide a significant challenge to this run, however, facing second-placed Conquerors FC. Our opponents looked set to be narrowly pipped to the league title after losing 1-0 to leaders The Nutmegs last time out, so we were prepared for them to come at us with a vengeance.
Sunderland, however, started with purpose and intent, and took an early lead as Alistair Wilson finished off a well-worked move. For a time it looked like Sunderland would overwhelm their opponents, but to their credit the Conquerors hit back strongly, creating a string of chances before the break.
Anthony Connolly continued his rich vein of form to double Sunderland's lead, before the Conquerors capitalised on some rare hesitation in defence to halve the deficit. As they pushed on for an equaliser, however, they left more and more gaps for our quick counter-attacks to exploit, and a brace from Ben Hemmington sealed a memorable 4-1 win against a very strong side that have already secured promotion to the Premier League.
Only one game remains of the season, so the branch team will be looking to finish off the campaign in style and start the new season with upward momentum.