Late Lutterworth Sting Stuns Sutton

Sutton United were left frustrated as they were forced to settle for a share of the points in their opening match of 2026, surrendering a two-goal advantage in added time against a determined Lutterworth Athletic side.

Played in freezing conditions at Coleshill Road, a first-half brace from in-form striker Oli Jeeves looked to have secured all three points for the Greens. However, late goals from Alex Vineall and substitute Bradley Coleman ensured the visitors left with a draw.

Sutton made two changes from their Boxing Day lineup, with Harry Howard and Tion Pearce returning, and they made the perfect start. Just four minutes in, Harry Howard showed great skill to ride three challenges as he wriggled through the Lutterworth defence before slipping the ball into the box for Oli Jeeves, who powered his shot past goalkeeper Kieran Culley.

The first half was an entertaining and open affair with chances at both ends. Matt Bishop went close twice for Sutton, first heading Ollie Burgundy’s corner towards goal only for Culley to tip it over the bar, and later seeing another header drift narrowly wide.

Lewis Hayden also tested Culley with a low drive from the edge of the area, which the Lutterworth goalkeeper did well to save and gather at the second attempt.

The visitors had their moments too, as Adam Shaw squandered a good opportunity in the 13th minute when he found space to the right of goal but fired over the bar. Sam Lockley was then denied by a superb Bishop clearance in front of goal following a rapid counterattack, and ten minutes later Lockley delivered a dangerous cross from the right that Taylor Blyth volleyed over.

Sutton extended their lead shortly before the break with a well-worked goal. Captain Tom Massey threaded a perfectly weighted pass to find Oli Jeeves in the box, who kept is composure to finish past Culley and make it six goals in his last three games.

The Sutton striker almost completed his hat-trick early in the second half when Joe Delaney won possession on the left and picked out Jeeves in the box, who did well to beat his marker but then dragged his shot wide of the post.
Clear-cut chances were fewer after the restart, but Sutton looked on course for victory until a dramatic finale. In added time, Aidan Mee produced a superb clearance after goalkeeper Lewis had been forced out of his area, but from the resulting corner Lutterworth captain Vineall rose highest to head home and spark a late comeback for the visitors.

Lutterworth continued to press and, deep into added time, found an equaliser when substitute Coleman chested the ball down inside the box before volleying a stunning finish into the net.

It was not the result Sutton were hoping for, but credit must go to Lutterworth Athletic for their resilience and determination right to the final whistle.

Sutton will look to bounce back next Saturday when they host AFC North Kilworth at Coleshill Road Stadium on 10th January, kick off 3pm.

Team: Sutton United
1. Greg Lewis
2. Aidan Mee
3. Joe Delaney – 89’ Dylan Green
4. Matt Bishop
5. Tion Pearce
6. Lewis Wall
7. Ollie Burgundy – 76’ Sam Jeeves
8. Lewis Hayden
9. Oli Jeeves – 76’ Joe Gildea
10. Tom Massey (c) – 89’ Tyrese Weekes
11. Harry Howard – 54’ James Gallagher

Management/Assistants:
Richard Heath, Liam Burke
Aidan Jeynes, Marcus Davies
Evija Stauga, Derek Culling

Team: Lutterworth Athletic
1. Kieran Culley
2. Abdul Bamabh – 85’ Vinny Glaznieks
3. Ethan Flaig
4. Kieron Brehon – 76’ Bradley Coleman
5. Elijah Kazimirow
6. Alex Vineall (c)
7. Max Johnson
8. Blake Kindred – 46’ Luke Merrall
9. Sam Lockley
10. Taylor Blyth – 90+2’ Lucas-Jai Stanley
11. Adam Shaw
Sub Unused: Dylan Hayes

Management/Assistants:
Dan Carter, Kiel Mullen
Cameron Fox, George Spencer
Emily Buckler

Match Officials: Lewis Tomkins, Andrew Holmes, Reiss Peel

Sutton United	Statistics	Lutterworth Athletic
2	Goals	2
19	Attempts	11
8	Attempts on Target	5
70%	Possession	30%
9	Corners	3
6	Fouls Committed	6
0	Yellow Cards	1
0	Red Cards	0
Tom Massey	Club Man of the Match
Harry Howard	Opp Man of the Match	Sam Lockley