Hines returns to lead Sutton to victory
Two first half goals gave Sutton United victory away at Nuneaton Griff, maintaining their impressive start to the season.
Sutton United produced a professional and composed performance to claim a 2-0 victory away at Nuneaton Griff – a ground where success has traditionally eluded them. Goals from Tom Massey and Ollie Burgundy inside the opening fifteen minutes were enough to seal the win, with the Greens defending resolutely to earn another clean sheet.
It was an emotional afternoon for long-serving forward Leyton Hines, who captained the side on his return to the starting eleven after a difficult personal period. Hines led by example, contributing both in defence and attack, as Sutton maintained their recent run of form with a disciplined display.
United struck early, settling nerves with a well-worked opener in the 5th minute. Pressing high up the pitch, Hayden Froggatt helped to win back possession for Sutton and sparked the move. Harry Howard drove forward purposefully before laying the ball into the path of Burgundy, who teed up Massey to fire low into the bottom corner past Joe Salisbury.
United doubled their lead just eight minutes later, capitalising on a free kick earned after a surging run from captain Hines. From the righthand side, Burgundy whipped a dangerous ball into the six-yard box. Massey may have gotten the faintest of touches, but the delivery was powerful and on target, and proved too much for the keeper to handle.
Sutton dominated much of the first half, enjoying extended spells of possession and carving out several chances to extend their lead. Froggatt went close after being played in behind, only to see his effort well saved. Massey nearly added a second with a glancing header from a well-worked set piece routine, while Hines and Perry Cotton linked up neatly on the right to create a chance for Howard, who fired over the target.
Defensively, United were solid throughout. Tion Pearce was particularly impressive, denying Ruben Wilson a clear shot on goal with a perfectly timed challenge in the 23rd minute, before Gabe Newey made a sharp save off Luke Campion’s drilled effort to preserve Sutton’s advantage.
While Sutton weren’t as incisive after the break, they remained in control. Hines saw a header saved; Lewis Wall fired over following a set piece; and Cotton tested the keeper again with a well-struck volley. Substitute Oli Jeeves also came close late on, racing in behind the defence before seeing his low effort flash just wide of the far post.
Griff, to their credit, came into the game more in the second period. Their substitutes added energy, and Sean Kavanagh spurned a good chance when he broke through but blazed over in the 60th minute. Ruben Wilson forced Newey into a diving save with a powerful long-range drive, and Leo Kuliqi curled just wide as the hosts pushed for a lifeline.
In the final moments, Reiss Hick and Pearce both made crucial interceptions to snuff out late danger and ensure a clean sheet – a just reward for Sutton’s defensive discipline.
Joint manager Liam Burke was full of praise for his side after the final whistle: “I thought we were really good today…..we were comfortable throughout the game and played some really good possession”. The Greens will be hoping to carry this performance forward into their next match against Bilston Town on Tuesday 9th September at Coleshill Road Stadium, kick off 7.45pm.
Team: Nuneaton Griff
1. Joe Salisbury
2. Luke Campion – 73’ Kenson Keitatotse
3. Ryan Oka-Zeh – 58’ Jacob Dumbleton
4. James Bryson (c)
5. Reece Williams
6. Archie Bales – 58’ Sean Kavanagh
7. Josh Harvey – 63’ Leo Kuliqi
8. Beau Friel
18. Luke Wilson
10. Owen Wassall – 73’ Zack Rowley
11. Ruben Wilson
Management/Assistants:
Aaron Cheshire
Corey Williams
Paul Barker
Joe Woodward
Team: Sutton United
1. Gabe Newey
2. Perry Cotton
3. Harry Manton
4. Tion Pearce
5. Reiss Hick
6. Lewis Wall
7. Leyton Hines (c) – 88’ Ryan Delport
8. Tom Massey
9. Hayden Froggatt – 63’ Oli Jeeves
10. Ollie Burgundy – 80’ Sam Jeeves
11. Harry Howard – 77’ Dan Wootten
Sub unused: Matt Bishop
Management/Assistants:
Richard Heath
Liam Burke
Jon Huckfield
Aidan Jeynes
Marcus Davies
Evija Stauga
Match Officials: Lois Jefferies, Ashley Bonner, Robert Blagden
| Nuneaton Griff | Statistics | Sutton United |
| 0 | Goals | 2 |
| 5 | Attempts | 11 |
| 3 | Attempts on Target | 8 |
| 36% | Possession | 64% |
| 3 | Corners | 8 |
| 9 | Fouls Committed | 6 |
| 2 | Yellow Cards | 0 |
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 |
| Club Man of the Match | Leyton Hines |