22.08.2026 Vs Abbey Hulton United

Fresh from their historic first-ever FA Cup win in the Extra Preliminary Round, United entered the tie with confidence and momentum. They did, however, come up against a very strong Abbey Hulton side, also unbeaten so far this season and despite a spirited performance, Sutton were unable to overturn a two-goal deficit earned by the visitors in the first half. Sutton’s new signing Luke Childs produced a positive performance on his debut as the Greens started brightly and nearly took an early lead when Matt Bishop met Lewis Hayden’s free kick with a powerful header, forcing Abbey goalkeeper Daniel Roberts into action inside the opening minutes. But against the run of play, Abbey Hulton struck first in the 9th minute. A long goal kick from Roberts was flicked on, allowing Matthew Ward to strike a header against the crossbar. Kingsley Adu Gyamfi then reacted quickest, firing home the rebound from close range to give the visitors a 1–0 lead. Sutton continued to push forward, with Joe Gildea coming close after meeting a dangerous free kick from Jordan Clement, only for Roberts to gather comfortably. Abbey doubled their advantage in the 34th minute after winning possession near the halfway line. Ward delivered a superb cross-field pass to Adu Gyamfi, who produced a fantastic finish to secure his brace and send the visitors into the break with a two-goal cushion. The second half saw Sutton dominate possession as they searched for a way back into the contest. Jack Sang and captain Tom Massey both threatened from the edge of the area, but Abbey’s defensive organisation was proving difficult to break down. The Greens came agonisingly close to pulling one back in the 63rd minute when Red Simmons delivered a pinpoint cross from the right, and Massey’s superb header crashed off the bar. Sang’s follow-up was brilliantly saved at point-blank range by Roberts, marking a defining moment in the match. Abbey continued to defend resolutely, with centre-back Samuel Finney producing a crucial block to deny Jayden Hunter in the 76th minute. Sutton pressed relentlessly in the closing stages, with Hunter and Sang both sending efforts over the bar, but Abbey’s disciplined shape and game management ensured they held on to their advantage until the final whistle. The Greens exit the FA Cup at the First Preliminary Round stage, but their performance offered plenty of encouragement for the season ahead. It was Abbey Hulton’s clinical finishing and defensive resilience that proved the difference on the day. Attention now turns back to league action, with Sutton travelling to Runcorn on Saturday 29th August, kick-off 3pm. Team: Sutton United 1. Greg Lewis 2. Tion Pearce – 77’ Oli Jeeves 3. Luke Childs 4. Matt Bishop 5. James Gallagher 6. Jordan Clement 7. Red Simmons 8. Lewis Hayden 9. Joe Gildea – 45+2’ Jack Sang 10. Tom Massey (c) 11. Jayden Hunter Sub Unused: Jake Wilkes, Ethan Reynolds, Tyrese Weekes, Gabe Newey Management/Assistants: Neil Tooth, Phil Male, Sam Heath, Bobby Brittan, Sinead McElwaine, Derrick Culling Team: Abbey Hulton 1. Daniel Roberts 2. Samuel Finney 3. Kyle Stubbs 4. Josh Bowden - 46’ Ethan Stanton 5. Matthew Harrison 6. Alex Morris 7. Jack Gumbley 8. Kallum Boyle – 71’ Aaron Bott 9. Tim Grice – 90’ Leo Latter 10. Matthew Ward – 77’ Lewis Holdham 11. Kingsley Adu-Gyamfi - 86’ Dan Cocks Sub Unused: Kyle Diskin Management/Assistants: Michael Edwards, Paul Wright, Ben Chapman, Scott Bentley, Steve Jordan, Daniel Meek Match Officials: Paul Kiely, Robert Brown, Andrew Chesshire-Ramon