Dynamo Short-Circuited as Sutton Power the Win
Goals from James Spruce and Harry Howard secured a vital 2-0 win over Saffron Dynamo as Sutton returned to the top of the MFL 1 table.
With conditions challenging and the pressure on to return to winning ways in the league, Sutton made the most of a home fixture as many games were postponed due to heavy rain.
They began brightly, moving the ball confidently through the lines looking for a way through the visitors’ well-drilled defence. Joe Gildea had two early chances as he fired a volley over the crossbar, before seeing a close-range header held by Saffron goalkeeper Tyler Weeks.
The breakthrough came for United in the 16th minute with an Ollie Burgundy corner. Lewis Wall’s initial header was blocked on the line by Thomas Hill, causing a scramble with Gildea, Spruce and Tom Massey all closing in, with Spruce making the final touch over the line for his third goal of the season.
United continued to dominate possession, but Saffron defended resolutely, with Archie Hill and Aaron Preston both making key interceptions to keep the Greens at bay. Sutton almost extended their lead when Gildea latched onto a loose back pass and chipped the ball over the advancing Weeks, only to see his effort clip the crossbar.
At the other end, Saffron came close when Jude Coates forced Greg Lewis into a smart low save, and Ben White met a back-post cross with a header that went straight into the hands of Lewis.
Saffron emerged after the break with renewed intent, but Sutton’s defensive organisation limited them to long-range efforts. Thomas Hill’s strike from distance drew a strong save from Lewis, who pushed the ball behind for a corner.
The Greens continued to look strong with Lewis Hayden controlling the midfield superbly and their persistence paid off in the 65th minute when Burgundy won the ball high up the pitch, before delivering a precise low cross for Howard to finish at the back post.
United should have added a third seven minutes later when Aidan Mee won the ball on the right, burst into the box, and set up Oli Jeeves, whose shot spun agonisingly wide of the far post.
The visitors pushed in the final stages, with Matt Bishop producing a well-timed challenge to deny Stanley Rossell as he ran through on goal. However, Sutton look well-organised, producing a composed and disciplined team performance to secure another three points at home.
The next match for Sutton will be on Tuesday 25th November when they travel to Leicestershire to take on Ingles, kick off 7.45pm.
Team: Sutton United
1. Greg Lewis
2. Aidan Mee
3. Joel Newman – 54’ James Gallagher
4. Matt Bishop
5. Lewis Wall
6. Lewis Hayden
7. Ollie Burgundy – 72’ Dylan Green
8. Sam Jeeves – 34’ Harry Howard
9. Joe Gildea – 72’ Tion Pearce
10. Tom Massey (c)
11. James Spruce – 62’ Oli Jeeves
Management/Assistants:
Richard Heath
Liam Burke
Aidan Jeynes
Marcus Davies
Derrick Culling
Team: Saffron Dynamo
1. Tyler-Jack Weeks
2. Ryan Butler
3. Benjamin White
4. Archie Hill
5. Aaron Preston (c)
6. Denzel Fuzane – 75’ Joe Newman
7. Jack Coles – 72’ Callum Briers
8. Thomas Hill – 84’ Tyce Njika
9. Stanley Rossell
10. Jake Warren – 78’ Junior Munemo
11. Jude Coates – 78’ Deano Roberts
Management/Assistants:
Tony Maisto
Matt Coates
James Simmons
Charlotte Jefferies
Match Officials: Grzegorz Filipiak, Katrina Pritchard
| Sutton United | Statistics | Saffron Dynamo |
| 2 | Goals | 0 |
| 11 | Attempts | 7 |
| 8 | Attempts on Target | 4 |
| 66% | Possession | 34% |
| 6 | Corners | 4 |
| 10 | Fouls Committed | 5 |
| 1 | Yellow Cards | 0 |
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 |
| Harry Howard | Club Man of the Match |