Sutton welcomed Monotype to Holmwood Road this morning, with a fine looking pitch despite the recent downpours.

Doesn't seem so long ago that Monotype dished out a 10-3 defeat back at their place. Oh, the reason being it was only 19th October..... Ah the wonders of the Tandridge fixture list! The boys, who had strung together some more encouraging results of late, were looking forward to an improved performance this time.

We realised last game that we were undone for pace, so Colin reorganised the ranks putting Damien at the back and Ollie in "the hole" to help track back and mark up. With plenty of help from the touchline coaches!

Sutton started up hill and both teams began to pass the ball well, pushing and probing to find any chinks in the armour. The defence seemed more solid with Ollie working the ball upfield, taking pressure of the back line. There were some great clearing headers from the boys, which is so much better than letting teh ball bounce.

Monotype's throw in's were causing some concern but Sutton repelled the ball well and chased up the pitch, leaving them stranded in offside positions. Monotype were kicking downhill which is always a slight advantage and they began to play with more confidence. A corner came over and no one picked up the big guy on the back stick, 0-1 to Monotype.

This appeared to spur the boys on (sorry I wasn't going to mention Spurs, I've just upset myself again) and Sutton pressed forward. Josh chased a lost cause and young Daniel closed on the keeper chasing lost cause no 2 and the ball ended up in the net. Daniel finally off the mark (with many more to come I expect).

Monotype came straight back with their attack chasing round the keeper. There was sweeper Sitch to clear the ball off the line!

Monotype came again and the forward beat Ollie and the keeper this time. The ball hit the old onion bag on the stroke of half time for 1-2.

The 2nd half commenced in a very similar vein, a few offsides and Monotype pressing for a 3rd goal. Ally, Clark, Damien and Darbi were holding the attacks well, not forgetting 2 or 3 great stops from Jack in goal. Finally Monotype broke through again only to clatter the left hand upright and away to safety.

The time was ticking by and Sutton built down the right with a series of long throws from Ally. A corner came over for the ball to be cleared for a further corner from the left. Nick T swung the ball back across and there was big Michael Mortimer to smack in the header for his first of the season..... he looked quite pleased even though it was from about 2 inches out!

With two minutes remaining Sutton looked for the late winner, but Monotype to their credit did the same. The ref blew his whistle on a highly entertaining game.

Final Score: Sutton Utd 2 Monotype 2

A great battling display by the lads today, we know from recent games that Monotype play a fine brand of football and we really had to be on our toes. Rode our luck at times but then some days it goes for you and overall the draw was probably the right result.

Good game, with 4 goals, played in a competitive spirit and atmosphere, who could ask for more. Good luck to Monotype for the rest of the season.

Neil

Sutton welcomed Farncombe Boys to Holmwood Road, the pitch was looking good after a firm soaking from Saturday night.

Sutton started kicking up hill, and began to string some good moves together, after 4 minutes the ball fell to Nick Thomson who hit it firm and true under the keeper from about 15 yards 1-0 to Sutton.

There was good play from both teams, and Farncombe bagan to come into it more, without really threatening to score. Then after 30 minutes they finally managed to beat Jack in goal for 1-1 at half time. Probably a fair reflection on the play.

Farncombe started brighter in the second half and after 5 minutes they managed to score again, but Sutton dug in and it was neck and neck.

On 63 minutes Ollie was played through and the defender just got his foot to the ball. From the resulting corner the ball was swung into the area, and there was big Charlie Woodman, to slap the ball home for his first of the season, 2-2.

This set the game up for a grandstand finish, with both team looking for the winner. Farncombe won the ball down our right flank and a cross was whipped in to our area. Alas the first to the ball was Josh, scampering back to try and help back in defence, and the ball ended up cruelly in Sutton's net. Never mind Josh, it could have happened to anyone.

The seconds ticked by leaving Sutton no time to get back in it.

Final Score: Sutton Utd 2 Farncombe Boys 3

A good effort by the lads today, two evenly matched teams with Farncombe just showing their league form and coming out the stronger team in the end. Good luck to them in teh next round and well played. Another league cup game to look forward to next week so heads up boys.

Neil

A lovely morning greeted us at Holmwood Road as the heavens opened. After losing the first 4 in the league Sutton needed a solid performance against newly promoted Afewee.

The Afewee players turned up early but it looked like theyt only had a straight 11, we know from experience that 70 minutes with no subs can be a tall order. Talking of tall how big was the guy up front?

Sutton started well despite the conditions, kicking uphill. We began to string a few passes together but the moves broke down as we ventured into the penalty area. We soon found that Afewee went for the ball to the big guy up front (not surprising really), and short of playing on stilts or piggy back they had no chance in the air. The ball was glanced on by the big man and against the run of play tucked in by the lad in the orange boots. You might have noticed by now that the opposition hadn't turned up with shirts with numbers on their backs.... lets hope for no Trevor Bookings!

Sutton continued to play well amd the ball fell to Nick Thomson in the area who rammed it home after 22 minutes. Nicky Page and Josh Turner were doing great stuff down the wings but despite lengthy pressure we could not finish. Again the ball was launched forward, we thought Jack Bolt had gathered in but the big man stuck out a foot, rounded Jack and pushed the ball home from a tight angle.

Sutton came again and the ball popped up to Damien Powell to steady the ship on 33 with a clinical finish. Straight from the off we won the ball back again, a cross came over and there was Nicky Page to bag his first strike of the season on 34.

The second half came with Sutton feeling better they should press home their advantage. Again a few attacks came and went with Sutton snapping at shots rather than hitting the spot or finding that killer pass.

To their credit Afewee came again and slotted home after 64 mins for 3-3. After Coney Hall, we had visions of losing a game we really should have won, but Damien had a better idea, shaking of a defender and blasting home for 4-3 on 68 minutes.

Afewee looked deflated and Sutton had their tails up. Again Damien was played in and slotted home well with seconds remaining.

Final score Sutton Utd 5 Afewee Urban 3

Nice to see the boys passing much better today, and not resorting to hoofing it up the pitch. The defence played as a unit and covered each other well, whilst the midfield worked tirelessly to keep the ammunition supplied to the guys, But Damien gets to take the ball home (but don't tell Colin). Well done to the lads who have broken their duck and moved away from the bottom of the league. Just like the Tottenham (oh no we are still there but at least we only have Arsenal and Liverpool next!)

Neil

Sutton started brightly against Coney Hall, and it was end to end stuff in the early exchanges, but Sutton started to look the better outfit.

Soon the ball broke forward and Ollie Sitch was left one on one. His shot cannoned of the keeper who made a brave effort but Ollie made amends and followed up for 1-0.

We soon broke forward again and the ball was lofted into the box, the keeper came rushing out and the ball ballooned into the net off their defender.

Sutton continued to break forward, and a handball saw Lewis Stanley take a free kick from a central position. With pin point accuracy the ball sailed over the keeper for 3-0.

Sutton were growing in confidence and again the ball broke into the box. A cross came over and a Coney Hall hand went up. Penalty to Sutton. Nick strode up and hit the ball with his trusty boot but unfortunately it went just wide to the right.

Coney had been giving as good as they got and 3-0 was not really a fair reflection of play. The ball was passed well by Coney and ended up on our goal line popping up to hit a Sutton hand. Penalty to Coney, just on the half time whistle, which was bashed home for 3-1.

The 2nd half started with Coney Hall kicking down hill, and soon the Sutton defence came under pressure. 2 minutes in and the was planted home. Coney now had their tails up and whilst Sutton had looked a good passing team in the first half, holes were beginning to appear and midfield was being over-run.

Coney were in the ascendancy and it was no great surprise when they scored their 3rd goal. 10 minutes into the 2nd half.

Unlike last weeks performance against Balham, heads appeared to go down and goal no 3 was then followed by a further 4 strikes in quick succession.

Sutton had gone from champs to pants!

Final score Sutton Utd 3 Coney Hall 7

A poor 2nd half performance by the lads, but you must hand credit to Coney Hall who transformed themselves and showed some great passing moves and team work. The boys just need to concentrate on passing out of trouble and keeping possession, rather than punting it up-field and being caught on the counter. Never mind, there's always next week.... who have we got? Oh Monotype away.

Neil

It was a dark and stormy morning but it was game on at Holmwood Close. What happened to the Indian Summer?

Balham had only lost 2-1 to Doverhouse after our recent 9-2 pummelling so we were expecting the worse. But Sutton started brightly and soon settled into a good pattern of passing play.

Sutton continued to break forward and grew in confidence creating a couple of half chances, but it was not to be. Balham started to string some good football together too, and the game was highly entertaining. After 20 minutes Balham turned the game around placing the ball firmly into our net. Sutton were rocked for few minutes and Balham poured forward, the ball ending up in the Sutton net again for 0-2 down.

Sutton weren't looking downhearted and they surged forward again. There was a melee in the box and Jack Casey calmly finished to restore Sutton to only a one goal deficit at half time.

The 2nd half commenced and the weather continued to deteriorate but the football remained of a high standard. Sutton looking to gain that elusive equaliser whilst Balham looked to steady the ship and counterattack on the break. Balham finally broke forward and scored again for 1-3.

New boy Daniel Osei was looking dangerous with a couple of long range shots on goal.

Sutton continued to press and with 5 minutes to go the ball bobbled around the box for Ollie Sitch to turn and swivel to poke the ball firmly home for 2-3.

A grandstand finish commenced with Sutton pressing forwards but Balham weren't going to lie down.

There were a couple of late fouls by Balham which saw the first well struck by Casey, the ball sailed over the keeper but hit the crossbar and away to safety. The second was a little further out but alas the ball went just over the crossbar. There was little time left to recover and the referee blew the final whistle.

Final Score Sutton Utd 2 Balham Blazers 3

A great game which was played in a good spirit by both teams, all the best to Balham Blazers who have started their season in good style. Considering the conditions the standard of football was highly impressive. I'm sure the boys shouldn't be too down hearted after this performance it was a great battling team effort and I'm sure we will start to get some points on the board soon.

Just seen the Spurs result so now I'm sulking!

Neil

Sutton journeyed over the Thames to Hampton Rangers on a misty morning with the sun just bursting through. A glorious pitch flat and true if a little wet with the dew.

Sutton were at full strength except for young Daniel who appeared to get lost on the way, not used to venturing this far north!

The Hampton boss came over to say hello, and we soon discovered that only 9 players had been able to turn in for them. In the true corinthian spirit of the game we started with a full 11 (well avid readers will remember last season where we often played with 9 or 10 and were given no quarter) and, after all, this is "The Cup".

Sutton started brightly and unfortunately it appeared we were going to be far too strong for the opposition. After a minute Josh popped in the box and slammed it home and from then on it was steady procession of goal after goal.

Sutton continued to press and half time came 0-10 to the good.

The 2nd half continued in a similar vein, but Sutton had very little need to defend. The lads performed well and a further 9 goals were scored with some decent passing moves, but very little pressure. Right near the end the team let their guard down and Hampton roared through for a late consolation goal and the loudest cheer of the day.

Early rounds of the cup are often like this and I feel that there needs to be some sort of seeding with lower and higher division clubs but still with only 9 v 11 it was always going to be tough on Hampton.

The scorers were as follows: Damien Powell 5, Ollie Sitch 5, Lewis Stanley 3 (well 1 might have been an OG), Josh Turner 2, Jack Casey 2, Nick Thomson 1 (Pen) last but not least Clark Samuel 1

Final Score: Hampton Rangers 1 Sutton United 19

Altogether now "Colin Stanley and his amber and chocolate army" No it doesn't quite work does it!

When is that new kit coming and are we changing colours (I live in hope!) Damien and Ollie up front for Spurs me thinks!)

Neil

The new season dawns and Neil's BT wireless hub bites the dust. Nothing but praise for BT though as I am up and running again with a shiny new one!

Any way back to the football. Sutton looked good all the way from the car park to the pitch then unfortunately it all went Pete Tong.

Sitch was in the middle with his whistle, but the goals sadly reigned in at the wrong end. Half time came, we were 5 - 0 down and I had no lead left in my pencil!

To the boys credit they worked hard to make amends in the 2nd half but again Doverhouse Lions pressed forward in waves. I thought they were big and quick last year but they have all put on another half a foot since last year! Don't worry by the time they reach 18 we might catch up with them. Another 4 goals went in with their number 9 scoring 5 of them.

Sutton's heads didn't go down and Lewis Stanley threw over a free kick which was volleyed home by Josh Turner. All of sudden Sutton came alive (with a minute to go) the ball popped into the box again. Damien Powell rose to the ball and was clattered by the keeper. "Penalty" went up the shout (you know who you are) but the ball bounced into an empty net, what an advantage played by the ref!

Final Score: Sutton Utd 2 Doverhouse Lions 9 (but 2-0 in the last 10 minutes!)

Well done to Doverhouse who I'm sure will be challenging for the top again. I suppose we can just be glad we aren't playing them every week and Epsom Eagles lost 11-1 so we aren't bottom of the league. Just need to work on defending in numbers... Watch out Hampton Rangers next week in the cup.

Neil