Sutton Shine at Home
Sutton United extended their unbeaten run to five matches with a commanding 3-0 victory over Kirby Muxloe at Coleshill Road Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Goals from Joe Gildea, Tom Massey, and Red Simmons secured a comprehensive win for the Greens, with two goals in two first-half minutes putting Sutton firmly in control, before a third early in the second half sealed the result.
Sutton produced an assured first-half performance, looking comfortable in possession and positive in attack from the outset.
The breakthrough arrived in the 21st minute from a dangerous Sam Jeeves corner. Lewis Wall’s low volley was saved on the line, but amid a scramble in front of goal, a Kirby clearance struck Gildea and into the net, handing the Sutton striker his 20th goal of the season and giving United a deserved lead.
The Greens doubled their advantage just two minutes later when Leyton Hines showed great determination to win the ball on the right before feeding Massey inside the penalty area. The skipper kept his composure to beat Kirby goalkeeper Ethan Dawe and register his 10th goal of the season.
United continued to threaten as Massey was denied a second when Dawe produced a strong save at his near post, while Hines was unfortunate to see a superb header crash against the post with the goalkeeper beaten.
The pressure continued as Dawe was forced into an error when he picked up a back pass, gifting Sutton a free kick from seven yards, however, Sam Jeeves was unable to force the ball through a packed Kirby goal line.
Shortly before the break, Simmons cut inside and unleashed a fantastic effort from the edge of the box that was destined for the bottom corner, only for Dawe to produce another outstanding save.
Kirby introduced Louis Holland and Reece Elday at half time and looked more direct after the restart. However, any hopes of a comeback for the visitors were effectively quashed when Sutton added a third around the hour mark. Intense team pressing saw Lewis Hayden win possession high up the pitch and find Gildea on the edge of the box. With defenders crowding him out, the Sutton marksman showed awareness to pick out Simmons in space on the left, and he applied a clinical finish to beat Dawe at his near post and put the result beyond doubt.
Under 21’s keeper Gabe Newey was in goal for the Greens and had a relatively quiet afternoon, but was called into action in the 71st minute, producing a superb save to tip over a fierce effort from Holland.
Sutton substitute Oli Jeeves nearly added to the scoreline in stoppage time, striking a terrific effort that Dawe did well to turn behind.
The victory completes a successful and unbeaten February for Sutton, who will look to carry their momentum into March with a midweek trip to Wednesfield Community on Tuesday 3rd March with a 7.45pm kick off.
Team: Sutton United
1. Gabe Newey
2. Aidan Mee
3. Harry Manton – 71’ James Gallagher
4. Matt Bishop
5. Lewis Wall
6. Sam Jeeves – 85’ Jonny Grigg
7. Red Simmons
8. Lewis Hayden
9. Joe Gildea – 75’ Ethan Clarke
10. Tom Massey (c) – 64’ Oli Jeeves
11. Leyton Hines – 75’ Jay Clement
Management/Assistants:
Neil Tooth, Phil Male
Carlos De Azevedo, Aidan Jeynes
Evija Stauga, Derek Culling
Marcus Davies
Team: Kirby Muxloe
1. Ethan Dawe
2. Nelson Silas
3. Luca MacLaren-Ridgewell
4. Joshua Going
5. Desmond Saane – 46’ Louis Holland
6. Oliver White
7. Joel Oliveria
8. Joe Wynder – 63’ Tommy Read
9. Jordan Hudson
10. Adam Parry (c) – 79’ Daniel Barber
11. Faris Sidahmed – 46’ Reece Elday
Unused Sub: Tom Carroll
Management/Assistants:
Dan Barber, Rob Middleton
Jim Miles, Ian Brett
Ash Forsyth
Match Officials: Stuart Hale, Ashley Bonner, Darren Dickson
| Sutton United | Statistics | Kirby Muxloe |
| 3 | Goals | 0 |
| 20 | Attempts | 6 |
| 14 | Attempts on Target | 2 |
| 61% | Possession | 39% |
| 10 | Corners | 4 |
| 8 | Fouls Committed | 10 |
| 0 | Yellow Cards | 5 |
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 |
| Sam Jeeves | Club Man of the Match | |
| Sam Jeeves | Opp Man of the Match | Louis Holland |