Sutton Fall to Strong Leicester Side
Sutton United’s seven-match unbeaten run came to an end as they fell to a 2-0 defeat away to Leicester St Andrews in a tough, competitive contest at Canal Street.
In a match between two strong sides pushing for a place in the Midland Football League Division One play-offs, it was the hosts who made the brighter start and seized the early initiative. Sutton were forced onto the back foot in the opening stages and needed goalkeeper Greg Lewis at his best to keep them in the game.
Lewis produced two outstanding early saves to deny both Zak Adams and Nathan McGarrity as Leicester began the match with real intent. However, the pressure eventually told in the 11th minute when Liam Canavan rose to head home James Snedden’s free-kick delivery and give the home side the lead.
Sutton recovered and began to battle their way back into the contest, but Leicester remained a physical threat, and they constantly looked to play the ball forward and utilise the pace of their attacking players. Lewis was again called into action when Joe Ball burst through the centre, with the Sutton goalkeeper standing his ground to make another dramatic save, this time with an outstretched leg.
The Greens struggled to create clear opportunities before the break but remained in the match thanks to a determined defensive display and the excellent form of Lewis between the posts.
Sutton emerged for the second half with renewed energy after making two changes at the interval, introducing James Gallagher and handing a debut to new signing Ryan Nesbitt.
Lewis Hayden and Isai Marselia both fired efforts wide early in the half as Sutton looked to force their way back into the game. United then came close when Aidan Mee whipped in an early cross which was met by a superb near-post header from Tom Massey, but the Leicester goalkeeper Charlie Andrews stood firm to preserve his side’s lead.
The Drews were restricted to fewer chances after the restart, although Lewis was still required to produce two excellent saves: first tipping over a powerful strike from Ball after another driving run into the area; and then making a fantastic diving stop to deny McGarrity when he was played through the centre.
Sutton continued to press and almost found the equaliser when Andrews tipped over a superb strike from Hayden at the edge of the penalty area, following good link-up play down the left between Nesbitt and Marselia.
The final ten minutes were tense with the outcome still finely balanced. Lewis Wall had two excellent chances for the Greens, first seeing a header safely gathered by Andrews, before striking a ferocious effort from a tight angle that clipped off the top of the crossbar.
However, as Sutton pushed forward deep into added time they were caught on the break, as McGarrity raced through the centre and finished clinically to seal the victory for Leicester and ensure all three points remained with the hosts.
The Greens now take a break from league action as they turn their attention to the cup, travelling to AFC Wolverhampton City for the semi-final of the Midland Football League Cup on Tuesday 17th March, kick off 7.45pm.
Team: Leicester St Andrews
1. Charlie Andrews
3. Archie Wood
4. James Snedden
5. Damien McCrory (c)
6. Camen Bhandal – 90+3’ Andy Melville
9. Zak Adams – 81’ Pearson Mwanyongo
15. Liam Canavan – 77’ Corey Bucalossi
16. Nathan McGarrity
19. Rich Black
20. Joe Ball – 88’ Greg Mills
21. Matt Dennis
Sub unused: James Merriman
Management/Assistants:
Ross Perkins, Shaun Barber
Lee Gibson, Jake Ball
Mark Cole, Asusty Pranesu
Team: Sutton United
1. Greg Lewis
2. Aidan Mee
3. Harry Manton – 46’ James Gallagher
4. Matt Bishop
5. Lewis Wall
6. Sam Jeeves – 46’ Ryan Nesbitt
7. Red Simmons
8. Lewis Hayden
9. Joe Gildea – 76’ Leyton Hines
10. Tom Massey (c)
11. Isai Marselia – 85’ Oli Jeeves
Sub unused: Jay Clement
Management/Assistants:
Neil Tooth, Carlos De Azevedo,
Phil Male, Aidan Jeynes,
Marcus Davies, Evija Stauga
Match Officials: James Strumidlo, Jack Matthews, Stewart Walker
| Leicester St Andrews | Statistics | Sutton United |
| 2 | Goals | 0 |
| 10 | Attempts | 12 |
| 8 | Attempts on Target | 4 |
| 49% | Possession | 51% |
| 3 | Corners | 9 |
| 8 | Fouls Committed | 9 |
| 2 | Yellow Cards | 1 |
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 |
| Damien McCrory | Opp Man of the Match | |
| Club Man of the Match | Greg Lewis |