Narrow defeat in Challenge Cup
Sutton United bow out of the Midweek Floodlit Challenge Cup to a single goal against Nuneaton Griff at the Pingles Stadium.
Sutton were left to rue missed chances as Nuneaton’s goalkeeper Divin Emmanuel made a succession of fine saves that helped his side to a narrow victory thanks to Jacob Dumbleton’s 61st minute strike.
United made three changes to the team following Saturday’s impressive FA Vase win, with Scott Hardy, Leyton Hines and Harry Howard making the starting line-up, and two second half debuts for talented under-21 players, James Gallagher and Josh Rudge.
Sutton had a positive first half with the better of the chances in front of goal. Hines was the first to test Emmanuel from distance and Howard’s low strike had the keeper scrambling to get a hold on the ball.
With half an hour played, midfielder Abdul Touaiti crafted himself some space in the penalty box only for his final shot to skim narrowly wide of the far post.
The hosts saw their best chances come from set pieces, with both Tom Hall and Reece Williams powering their efforts over the crossbar.
Sutton had two big opportunities in the last five minutes of the half with their two strikers linking up. First Hines squared the ball for Joe Gildea, whose effort from six yards bounced over the crossbar, and shortly after, Gildea flicked a perfect pass over the Nuneaton defence for Hines to carry into the box, before Emmanuel produced an excellent save to deflect his shot behind.
There were more chances for Sutton after the break, with Matt Bishop’s header from a corner-kick cleared off the goal line and another fantastic save by Emmanuel to deny Sam Jeeves from 30-yards.
The hosts were well organised and looked a threat on the break with Dan Edmonds striking wide at the back post, before his run in behind Sutton’s defence had Gabe Newey off his line quickly to force the striker’s shot wide of the target.
The winning goal came in the 61st minute with a break down the right wing and a composed finish by Dumbleton from six yards.
There were still chances for both sides, as Sutton captain Tom Massey tried his luck from distance and for Nuneaton, when Nathan Cadby broke into the penalty box, Gallagher made a well-timed challenge to deny the forward a shot on goal.
Sutton came close in the final minutes as James Bryson headed out an Oli Jeeves shot, before Emmanuel made another good save to deny Scott Hardy with the rebound.
After two successive cup games, Sutton return to league action on Saturday 26th October when they play host to Birstall United Social at Coleshill Road Stadium.
Team: Nuneaton Griff
1. Divin Emmanuel
2. Luke Campion
3. Rueben Wade
4. Tom Hall (c)
5. Lewis Campbell – 57’ Steve Pywell
6. James Bryson
7. Reece Williams
8. Kyle Whitley – 71’ Beau Friel
9. Dan Edmonds – 71’ Nathan Cadby
10. Matt Chadaway – 63’ Charlie Morgan
11. Jacob Dumbleton – 79’ Reiss Martin
Management/Assistants:
Aaron Cheshire
Corey Williams
Paul Barker
Josh Thompson
Ady Evans
Team: Sutton United
1. Gabe Newey
2. Jon Grigg
3. Scott Hardy
4. Matt Bishop
5. Tion Pearce
6. Sam Jeeves
7. Tom Massey (c)
8. Abdul Touaiti – 66’ Sef Semlali
9. Joe Gildea – 60’ Oli Jeeves
10. Harry Howard – 75’ James Gallagher
11. Leyton Hines – 75’ Josh Rudge
Management/Assistants:
Richard Heath
Liam Burke
Adam Watson
Chris Bratt-Rose
Bobby Brittan
Derek Culling
Match Officials: Lois Jefferies, Simon Lane, Charlie Head