Opening day magic from Massey and Manton
A brace from skipper Tom Massey and a first senior goal for youngster Harry Manton gave Sutton United victory in their opening match of the 25/26 season against Kirby Muxloe.
Sutton had six players making their debuts in what was a composed first half performance. Perry Cotton looked impressive at right back and delivered a superb cross for Massey to score United’s first goal of the season in the 4th minute. The captain, playing in the number ten, kept his nerve to chest, knee, and then volley the ball into the back of the net from twelve yards.
United kept the ball well, enjoying a lot of possession throughout the first half and another two quick goals put them in control of the match. It was in the 35th minute that a wonderful through pass from Lewis Hayden released Dylan Green down the right wing. The new-boy then picked out Massey as he ran into the penalty box, before unleashing a composed finish into the bottom corner of the net for his second of the match.
Just two minutes later Sutton were three ahead when another debutant Ollie Burgundy, provided the perfect cross for left-back Manton to score from the edge of the penalty area; a fantastic low and driven shot that beat the Kirby keeper Alex Smith, as he dived to his left.
United were looking comfortable in possession and Lewis Wall was doing an excellent job of linking up the play through the midfield. Striker Joe Gildea was unlucky not to open his account for the season, when his superb volley off another great ball in from Cotton, was disallowed for an off-side decision.
Kirby had to wait until the end of the first half when they had two great chances on goal. First, Tom Carroll hit the bar as he curled an effort towards the top corner of the net, and then, when Joel Oliveira slipped the ball through for Tom Vyce, the striker’s low shot from the edge of the penalty box skimmed narrowly wide of the far post.
The home side came out positively in the second half, with Sutton having to defend a series of set pieces. Oliveria came closest for Kirby with a 25-yard free kick that he drove low and just wide of the far post.
United did look strong in defence with Matt Bishop, last season’s Player-of-the-Season, pairing up at centre-back with new signing Jake Lamb. In the second half, Tion Pearce replaced Manton at left back as everyone worked hard to ensure a clean sheet for the opening match of the campaign.
Up front, Oli Jeeves headed wide for Sutton off an inviting set-piece delivery from Sam Jeeves. And towards the end of the match, Green reacted brilliantly to latch onto a cross from Cotton, only to see his effort on goal spin wide of the target.
This was a positive opening match for Sutton, taking home a precious three points whilst showcasing some clinical finishing and a solid team display with some very positive performances from the new signings. Next up for United is an exciting home match on Tuesday 5th August against Heather St Johns, who also won their opening fixture.
Team: Kirby Muxloe
1. Alex Smith
2. Tyler Love – 72’ Callum Brown
3. Jaede Timms – 72’ Matty Longdon
4. Tommy Read
5. Jared Rydquist
6. Simon Osomo
7. Patrick Musengwa
8. Tom Carroll (c)
9. Tom Vyce – 74’ Peter Arogun
10. Joel Oliveira
11. Lotredge Muteera – 57’ Daniel Davies
Sub Unused: Curtis Boddy
Management/Assistants:
Rob Middleton
Elliotte North
Adam Parry
Ian Brett
Jim Miles
Team: Sutton United
1. Greg Lewis
2. Perry Cotton
3. Harry Manton – 54’ Tion Pearce
4. Matt Bishop
5. Jake Lamb
6. Lewis Wall – 67’ Sam Jeeves
7. Ollie Burgundy – 54’ Hayden Froggatt
8. Lewis Hayden
9. Joe Gildea – 54’ Oli Jeeves
10. Tom Massey – 67’ Harry Howard
11. Dylan Green
Management/Assistants:
Richard Heath
Liam Burke
Jon Huckfield
Aidan Jeynes
Marcus Davies
Evija Stauga (physio)
Match Officials: David Critchlow, Paul Weston, James Anderson
| Kirby Muxloe | Statistics | Sutton United |
| 0 | Goals | 3 |
| 6 | Attempts | 7 |
| 1 | Attempts on Target | 4 |
| 38% | Possession | 62% |
| 4 | Corners | 2 |
| 12 | Fouls Committed | 10 |
| 3 | Yellow Cards | 1 |
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 |
| Opp Man of the Match | Matt Bishop | |
| Club Man of the Match | Perry Cotton |