Late goals sink Sutton
Sutton conceded two late goals in defeat at Coleshill Road Stadium against high-flying Coton Green.
It was late in the second half when Sutton were inches from a goal themselves, as Leyton Hines’ effort was cleared off the goal line, and Coton immediately countered with a long ball up field that saw Luke Keen tapping in at the back post off a quality cross from Corey Powell.
It proved to be a big blow for Sutton in what had been a closely contested match, and they went on to concede a second just minutes later, as Coton substitute, Harry Dixon, netted from Dean Morris’ corner in the 89th minute to secure victory for the visitors.
The win moved promotion chasing Coton up to second in the table with games in hand over their rivals, while Sutton remain perched in mid table.
There were plenty of chances on goal for both sides in an entertaining first half. Harry Howard had two early opportunities for United with shots from outside the penalty box that goalkeeper, Lewis Landers, did well to keep out, and for Coton, Keen’s shot from 18 yards was deflected off George Ray and over the crossbar.
Both keepers were kept busy as Landers made another good save to deny Joe Gildea with a fine effort from twenty yards, and at the other end of the pitch Greg Lewis dived low to save a header at the back post from Powell.
Sutton came close to a goal just before the break when Tom Massey picked out Reece Gibson who rifled a shot that had Landers reacting to tip behind at his near post.
There were fewer opportunities in a tight second half. It wasn’t until the 75th minute that Dixon was played through the middle for Coton with Lewis quickly off his line to challenge, and shortly after, Sutton saw Matt Bishop’s header off a set piece gathered by Landers.
The real drama came in the final five minutes when Landers got a touch to deny Leyton Hines from close range, and as the ball spun goalwards Matthew Hunt was back to clear off the line for Coton. But as Sutton were screaming that the ball had crossed the line, Coton countered, finding Powell whose perfect cross was tucked away by Keen to put the visitors ahead.
Coton then made sure of the points when they grabbed a second from a set piece in the 89th minute, with Dixon tucking home from close range.
Sutton played well despite the defeat and can now look ahead to their exciting FA Cup Vase fixture at Winsford United on Saturday 14th December at Barton Stadium.
Team: Sutton United
1. Greg Lewis
2. George Ray
3. Zach Binns – 46’ Harry Manton
4. Matt Bishop
5. Tion Pearce
6. Sam Jeeves
7. Tom Massey (c)
8. Jonny Grigg
9. Reece Gibson – 56’ Leyton Hines
10. Joe Gildea – 72’ Abdul Touaiti
11. Harry Howard
Sub Unused: Sam Simmonds, Sef Semlali
Management/Assistants:
Richard Heath
Liam Burke
Adam Watson
Chris Bratt-Rose
Bobby Brittan
Amelia Small
Derek Culling
Team: Coton Green
1. Lewis Landers
2. Tom Hurdman
18. Jamie Ashmore
4. Dean Morris
5. Matthew Hunt (c)
6. Cameron Lee
7. Corey Powell – 90+2’ Casey Roberts
8. Lamin Dampha – 90+2’ Luco Bassett
9. John Baker – 65’ Harry Dixon
10. Luke Keen
11. Tyrike Richards-Burke – 74’ Jay Payne
Sub Unused: Charlie Noakes
Management/Assistants:
Nick Oakley
Matt Minton
Noel Cotterill
Maddison Jordan
Tom Reece
Match Officials: Zak Angell, Steven Chappell, Ryan Byrne