Sutton end the year on a high
Oli Jeeves came off the bench to score the winner for Sutton United in their final match of 2024 against Wednesfield Community.
Sutton came up against a much-changed Wednesfield side who were out to impress their new management team, and it took until the 62nd minute to break down a resolute defense, as Oli Jeeves netted the only goal in a hard-fought win for the Greens.
The busy Christmas period saw Sutton bring Reiss Hick, Sef Semlali and Ryan Delport into the squad, with Callum Cook making his first start in the centre of defense, as Jonny Grigg moved up into the number ten role.
The heavy pitch made for a slow start to the match, and it wasn’t until the 22nd minute when Hayden Froggatt had the first real opportunity in front of goal when he headed wide of the far post.
The hosts then had what proved to be their best chance of the match, when Dilpreet Sandhu struck a low shot from twenty yards that had Greg Lewis diving to push behind.
Froggatt was unlucky not to put Sutton ahead in the 24th minute when he had the keeper beaten with a stunning volley that then caught the underside of the crossbar before Wednesfield managed to clear away.
George Ray then rose highest to head a corner kick just over the crossbar, as Sutton continued to dominate the chances in front of goal.
Jack Price made two superb saves for Wednesfield to deny Sutton the lead at the break. First, he stretched to tip behind a Joe Delaney free kick that was heading for the top corner, and then he denied Froggatt from the spot with a fantastic dive to his left, after Abdul Touaiti had been pulled down in the penalty box.
Sutton continued to press in the second half with Froggatt a constant threat up front, as his turn and shot in the 53rd minute was well held by Price.
United finally got their breakthrough in the 62nd minute, when Delaney’s out-swinging corner kick was met by Oli Jeeves who headed in from close range.
Sutton then sat back on their lead as Wednesfield began to press for an equaliser, but United defended resolutely in the final twenty minutes to secure their seventh clean sheet of the season and ensure they took home all three points.
The victory completed a run of three consecutive league wins for Sutton and brings to end a successful 2024 with twenty-four wins from forty-nine matches.
And with only one defeat in their last eight in all competitions Sutton will be looking to continue their good form into the new year with a trip to Kirby Muxloe on Saturday 4th January.
Team: Wednesfield Community
1. Jack Price
2. Joel Harrison
3. Ibrahima Diallo
4. Jake Griffiths (c)
5. Aaron Lescott
6. Sachin Bargota
7. Dilpreet Sandhu
8. Bashir Mohammed
9. Harvey Dangerfield – 55’ Toby Herbert
10. Leo Gill – 16’ Joshua Watters
11. Lee Chilton – 67’ Leo Fyfield
Sub Unused: Brad Page, Sebi Fyfield
Management/Assistants:
Ben Holden
Lee Blake
Luke Draisey
Team: Sutton United
1. Greg Lewis
2. George Ray
3. Zach Binns
4. Matt Bishop (c)
5. Callum Cook
6. Sam Jeeves
7. Leyton Hines
8. Abdul Touaiti – 63’ Reiss Hick
9. Hayden Froggatt 58’ Sef Semlali – 87’ Harry Manton
10. Jonny Grigg – 54’ Oli Jeeves
11. Joe Delaney
Sub Unused: Ryan Delport
Management/Assistants:
Richard Heath, Liam Burke
Adam Watson, Chris Bratt-Rose
Bobby Brittan, Amelia Small
Match Officials: Shaun Currall, Arron Worrall, Gary Webster