FA Cup Debut to Remember
Sutton United produced a sensational second-half comeback to beat Coventry Sphinx in a seven-goal thriller at Coleshill Road Stadium and make history by progressing in their first-ever Emirates FA Cup tie.
The Greens twice came from behind before turning the game on its head with some spectacular goals in a remarkable second-half performance.
It was a very different story in the opening 45 minutes, with Sutton struggling to find their rhythm and eventually going behind in the 37th minute. Sphinx took the lead when Jared Bradshaw’s corner was met by Yahiya Todd, who volleyed home from close range.
Sutton could have found themselves further behind before the break, but Matt Bishop produced a superb goal-line clearance to deny Damian Kelly.
A change of formation and the introduction of Joe Gildea and Red Simmons at half-time transformed Sutton and they drew level just three minutes after the restart. Simmons’ throw was headed on by Lewis Wall and Jayden Hunter was well placed to tuck the ball home. The goal proved to be another landmark moment for Sutton’s new frontman, who, just one week ago, scored the club’s first-ever goal at Step 5, and has now added Sutton’s first-ever FA Cup goal to his name.
However, the celebrations had barely settled when Sphinx restored their advantage. Just 45 seconds after United’s equaliser, Bleu McNeil’s throw was touched down by Bradshaw for Kelly to fire home from six yards.
It was a huge setback, but Sutton responded in emphatic fashion with two spectacular goals within three minutes, that turned the match around for the Greens. The first came from Gildea who opened his account for the season in style as he curled a stunning 30-yard free kick into the top corner, leaving Sphinx goalkeeper Divin Emmanuel with absolutely no chance.
Just three minutes later the comeback was complete when captain Tom Massey met the ball outside the box with a tremendous volley which flew beyond Emmanuel and sent the Sutton faithful into celebrations.
The Greens continued to press their advantage and were rewarded with a fourth goal in the 73rd minute. Simmons picked out fellow substitute Oli Jeeves with a superb pass and Jeeves then showed excellent composure to skip past two defenders before drilling a clinical finish beyond Emmanuel for his first goal of the season.
Sphinx refused to give up and set up a nervy finish when Joe Cairns curled an excellent free kick into the top corner in the 84th minute. Lewis did manage to get his fingertips to it, but the shot was too good for him to keep out.
The visitors threw players forward in the closing few minutes in search of an equaliser, but Sutton remained organised and defended resolutely to see out a memorable victory. The Greens can now look forward to another home tie in the next round of the FA Cup which takes place on Saturday 22nd August.
Before then, Sutton have another cup game to turn their attention to, as they travel to Wednesfield Community on Saturday 15th August in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Vase.