Massey Fires Sutton to the Top
Sutton United climbed to the top of MFL 1 with a hard-fought away win at AFC North Kilworth, thanks to a late goal from captain Tom Massey.
In a tightly contested match at Persimmon Park – a ground where Kilworth had lost just two of their last seven – Sutton showed resilience, discipline, and moments of quality to edge past a well-organised home side who came into the game sitting fifth in the league.
Sutton made four changes to the side that won on Tuesday, handing a full debut to Under-21 player James Gallagher, and bringing in Leyton Hines, Oli Jeeves and Dylan Green. There was also a second half debut for recent signing James Spruce, who joined from Nuneaton Town.
The first half offered few clear chances as both defences stood firm. Sutton’s only real sight of goal came when Oli Jeeves had a shot deflected narrowly wide after a pinpoint cross from the lively Aidan Mee.
At the other end, Kilworth’s Tyler Garrard had a long-range effort early in the second half, but it was comfortably gathered by Sutton goalkeeper Gabe Newey, who otherwise had a quiet afternoon.
As the game wore on, United began to threaten up front. Substitute Jonny Grigg struck a clean shot from outside the box that was deflected wide of the post, while Massey was increasingly influential in the final third. The skipper had a low drive blocked at the post by Jack Beasley, before drawing an excellent save from Jude Watson with a powerful strike from the left.
The breakthrough finally came on 80 minutes when Lewis Hayden, composed in midfield all afternoon, sprayed the ball wide to Mee, who cut inside and unleashed a stunning 22-yard strike bound for the top corner. Watson produced a flying save, but Massey was first to react, slotting home the rebound to give United the lead.
Sutton could have added to their tally in the closing stages: Sam Jeeves broke down the left on a quick counterattack and cut inside only to see his effort blocked by Garrard; then in stoppage time, Massey again drove into the box after overturning possession but dragged his shot just wide of the far post.
The hosts finished the match with ten men when Reece Hookway received two yellow cards within four minutes in the final stages of the second half.
It was a gritty and professional performance from Sutton, with standout displays across the pitch. Massey led by example and took his goal well, while Oli Jeeves put in a tireless shift up front. James Spruce impressed on his debut with some threatening deliveries, and at the back, Lewis Wall was solid alongside the excellent Gallagher, who deservedly earned man-of-the-match on his full debut.
With this result, Sutton now sit proudly atop the MFL Division 1 table. Next up is another tough away fixture, this time at fourth-placed Heather St. John’s on Tuesday 23rd September.
Team: AFC North Kilworth
1. Jude Watson
3. Harry Smith – 62’ Bill Bowes
5. Dom Lanni
7. Reece Hookway
8. Jordan McCourt (c)
17. Jack Beasley
18. Matt Hart – 67’ Ellis Weston
21. Harry Wells – 85’ Sam Blockley
22. Tyler Garrard
23. Lucas Waring – 60’ Joe Williams
25. Jake Smith – 70’ Taylor Sharpe
Management/Assistants:
Sam Smith
Jordan Cullan-Coombe
Miles Tremlett
Matthew Yates
Team: Sutton United
1. Gabe Newey
2. Aidan Mee
3. James Gallagher
4. Tion Pearce
5. Lewis Wall
6. Lewis Hayden
7. Leyton Hines – 56’ Jonny Grigg
8. Tom Massey (c)
9. Oli Jeeves
10. Joe Gildea – 56’ James Spruce
11. Dylan Green – 80’ Sam Jeeves
Unused Sub: Bobby Brittan
Management/Assistants:
Richard Heath
Liam Burke
Aidan Jeynes
Marcus Davies
Derek Culling
Match Officials: Ryan Jennings, Jack Matthews, Stewart Walker
| AFC North Kilworth | Statistics | Sutton United |
| 0 | Goals | 1 |
| 1 | Attempts | 7 |
| 1 | Attempts on Target | 3 |
| 43% | Possession | 57% |
| 1 | Corners | 9 |
| 8 | Fouls Committed | 10 |
| 3 | Yellow Cards | 1 |
| 1 | Red Cards | 0 |
| Jude Watson | Opp Man of the Match | |
| Club Man of the Match | James Gallagher |