Double Delight for Sutton
Sutton United completed a remarkable 2025/26 campaign in dramatic fashion, overcoming local rivals Romulus FC 5-3 on penalties after a thrilling 1-1 draw in the Midland Football League Cup Final at Bescot Stadium.
Having already secured promotion in unforgettable style with a playoff final victory two weeks earlier, United added the League Cup to cap a magnificent double-winning season and continue the club’s incredible rise.
It was a fittingly dramatic occasion for the Greens, who had to battle back after falling behind in the first half to a moment of brilliance from Romulus forward Alfie Taylor. Sutton responded superbly after the interval, levelling through striker Joe Gildea before holding their nerve in a tense penalty shootout to spark jubilant celebrations among the travelling supporters.
The evening also carried extra significance for long-serving Sutton clubman Leyton Hines, who captained the side in his final appearance before stepping away from first-team football.
Both sides started brightly, as Ethan Green headed narrowly wide for Romulus from an early corner, while Matt Bishop came equally close at the other end with a header that drifted just past the upright.
As the contest settled, Sutton enjoyed spells of composed possession, but it was Romulus who struck first just before the half-hour mark, when Taylor picked up the ball on the edge of the area before unleashing a sensational curling effort that flew into the top corner.
The Roms nearly doubled their advantage soon after when Joe Morley was denied twice in quick succession. Lewis Wall produced an excellent block to stop the first effort, before goalkeeper Greg Lewis reacted sharply to save the second as it fizzed through a crowded penalty area.
Sutton continued to search for a route back into the game before the break. Gildea forced a save from goalkeeper Callum Smith with a free kick, while Harry Manton cut inside and sent a powerful 22-yard effort narrowly over the crossbar.
United emerged for the second half with renewed purpose and deservedly drew level in the 59th minute. They were patient in their build-up before Ben George switched the ball across to the left where Wall, Manton and substitute Joe Delaney combined swiftly, before Manton delivered an inviting cross that Gildea met with a superb header past the diving Smith.
The equaliser spurred Sutton forward and they produced an outstanding second-half display in pursuit of a winner. Hines saw two powerful efforts bravely blocked by determined Romulus defenders, while Bishop surged through the midfield before firing narrowly over from distance.
Creative midfielder Lewis Hayden then picked out Tom Massey in the penalty area, but his low effort across goal rolled agonisingly wide of the far post.
As the final ten minutes approached, tension around the stadium intensified with both teams pushing for a decisive goal. Sutton came desperately close when Gildea powered a header against the crossbar from Delaney’s dangerous free-kick delivery.
Romulus also had a huge opportunity deep into added time, when Abu Kanu slipped Charlie Gardiner through on goal, only for Lewis to stand tall and produce a vital save to deny the forward a dramatic goal.
With the score locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes the final headed straight to penalties. Sutton were flawless from the spot, converting all five of their penalties with composure under immense pressure. And when the shootout required a big moment, Lewis once again delivered, diving superbly to save Romulus’ third penalty.
That left Dylan Green with the chance to win the cup, and he calmly stepped forward to convert the decisive kick and seal a famous victory for the Greens.
The triumph crowns a truly unforgettable season for Sutton United, with every member of the squad contributing to a historic league and cup double. Attention will now quickly turn toward an exciting new challenge as the club prepares for its first ever season at Step 5 football.
Congratulations to everyone connected with Sutton on a fantastic achievement – and see you all next season!
Team: Romulus FC
1. Callum Smith
2. Tevin Myers – 72’ Abu Kanu
3. Mason Perry
4. Raphael Johnson (c)
5. Ethan Green
6. Dominic Perkins – 62’ Kobe Wilkes
7. Alfie Taylor – 62’ Logan Trainer
8. Craig Gregg – 76’ Reece Nunn
9. Jim O’Neill
10. Joe Morley
11. Charlie Gardiner
Sub Unused: Fahme Ibrahim
Management/Assistants:
Ty Belford
Kyle Perry,
Nathan Whiehead
Leigh Wooddall,
Todd Perry
Ruby Wardle
Olivia Nettleton
Team: Sutton United
1. Greg Lewis
2. Aidan Mee
3. Harry Manton – 60’ Tion Pearce
4. Matt Bishop
5. Lewis Wall
6. Ben George – 90+6’ Isai Marselia
7. Leyton Hines – 82’ Dylan Green
8. Lewis Hayden
9. Joe Gildea
10. Tom Massey
11. Jay Clement – 55’ Joe Delaney
Sub Unused: James Gallagher
Management/Assistants:
Neil Tooth
Phil Male
Carlos De Azevedo
Aidan Jeynes
Evija Stauga
Derrick Culling
Match Officials: Thomas Bartlett, Lewis Woollett, Benjamin Woolf, Kamani Anderson
| Romulus FC | Statistics | Sutton United |
| 1 | Goals | 1 |
| 3 | Penalties | 5 |
| 11 | Attempts | 12 |
| 4 | Attempts on Target | 6 |
| 27% | Possession | 73% |
| 5 | Corners | 6 |
| 5 | Fouls Committed | 12 |
| 1 | Yellow Cards | 1 |
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 |
| Joseph Morley | Opp Man of the Match | Lewis Hayden |
| Club Man of the Match | Lewis Hayden |