After a string of matches against sides who are challenging them for a playoff place, Sutton face the next three games against the teams curremtly occupying the bottom three places in the Ryman League Premier Division table and desperate for points in an effort to avoid relegation. On Tuesday U's go to Margate and next Saturday host Bognor Regis, but tomorrow it's a first ever visit to the Capershotts home of Waltham Abbey, who were promoted through the playoffs from Division One North last season. They have spent much of the season in the relegation zone, but if U's had any doubts that they will face a tough game tomorrow then they need only to think back to the meeting at Gander Green Lane in October where, a week after putting Hampton & Richmond Borough out of the FA Cup they failed to break down a resolute Waltham Abbey defence and had to make do with a 0-0 draw that might have been worse, Abbey's Tom Bailey hitting the bar in the first half with a long range shot, although Sam Gargan also hit the woodwork. Although beaten at home by Aveley on Tuesday night, Waltham Abbey have shown some good form recently, beating Horsham at Capershotts before picking up three crucial points in a bottom of the table battle at Margate last Saturday.

The reserves are at home to Basingstoke tomorrow in a Suburban League game.

Please note there has also been a switch in youth team fixtures next week, with Monday's home game now against Corinthian Casuals, and Kingstonian now the opposition on Monday 29 March.

Early goals by Bradley Woods-Garness and Sam Gargan helped Sutton United to record a 2-1 victory today in their Ryman League Premier Division match at home to Horsham. Click here for the report with photos and here for Alan Payne's view of the game.

The reserves went out of the Suburban League Cup, beaten 2-1 at Leatherhead, which means that they will now be at home to Basingstoke on Saturday in a Suburban League game. Report here. A reminder that the youth team are at home toWalton tonight in the semi final of the Surrey Under18 Floodlit Cup.

For the fifth consecutive game Sutton will face a side to whom they have already lost this season when Horsham visit Gander Green Lane tonight, and having denied Tooting, Ashford, Boreham Wood and Maidstone the chance to complete league doubles U's will be hoping that trend continues. U's lost by the only goal at Gorings Mead back in August, but are far from the only team to have struggled on that ground this season, with Horsham's home form the main reason why they are still well positioned in the chase for playoff places, lying in sixth place two points behind Boreham Wood and four behind Sutton, with both U's and Horsham having two games in hand on the Hertfordshire club. However they come in to tonight's game on the back of two defeats, at Waltham Abbey last Thursday and at home to Tooting on Saturday. U's could welcome Alan Pouton back in to their squad following injury.

Sutton's reserves are at Leatherhead tonight in the 3rd round of the Suburban League Cup, with a home tie against North Greenford United (on Saturday if Sutton win) awaiting in the quarter finals.

The community section of our webs-ite is expanding to cover the increasing number of events that are taking place. Please follow this link for a quick look.

http://www.suttonunited.net/community_news.html

Sutton United held on to a 1-1 draw away to Daru Utd on Thursday evening, which was just enough to seem them through to the last four pipping rivals Manda FC. The U's had lead throughout courtesy of Demba Jobe's first minute strike. The precocious Mamadi Djame played a long ball upfield to Musa Joof on the right immeditaely as the ball was centered, and he crossed it to the sprinting Demba Jobe at the far post who nodded in a powerfully for his fourth in the competition.

And the game could have been pretty wrapped up early on nine minutes later when left back Abu was clearly brought down in the box after an impressive great run on the left wing but the referee saw otherwise and waved play on. Daru intensified the tempo after the break as they attacked in waves looking to get back into the game. The pressure seem to have finally broken the Sutton defense after half an hour played into the second half, the Daru libero tested Imam at his near post from outside the box after one fast-paced attacked but the U's goalie was swift and managed to push the ball out for a corner. Daru squared in a clever ball at the edge of the box from the resulting corner where a left footed #3 was timing and his out swinging volley shot through into the roof net for a deserved equalizer. Sutton suffered another panic right in stoppage time when a Daru player got the wrong side of U's defense but hesitated to shoot allowing Fra to skate in and jockey him away with the ball sparking a strong protest from the Daru camp for a penalty but that was just that.

Meanwhile group A leaders Katark confirmed Sutton's qualification twenty-four hours later as they extended their impressive lead to a third win and shoot to nine points, defeating Manda FC 2-0. Else where in group B, Black Stars crashed 1-0 at home to Santa Yala. The day's biggest winners were Greenland Utd who scored three goals in a 3-2 thriller with fellow group struggler's Jangbedula Utd.

Group B winners Santa Yalla will now take on patchy Sutton United in the first semi-final, whilst group A run-away winners and cup favorites Katark Utd will take on Black Stars in the other one-legged semi-final tie. Both matches are slated to be played on the 13^th & 14^th March, 2010 respectively. The final comes two weeks later on the weekend falling 28^th March.

Sutton United drew 0-0 today at Gander Green Lane in their Ryman League Premier Division encounter with Maidstone United, who held out for a draw despite playing the last half hour with ten men. Click here for the report with photos and here for Paul Doswell's view.

Central defender John Cartledge has joined Metropolitan Police on loan. "John has had a few injury problems",  said Paul Doswell, "and needs games under his belt. He will be able to rejoin us in April in time for what could be the crucial part of the season".

The reserves won 3-0 at Ashford with goals from Tom Kavanagh, Chris Beard (pen) and Josh Gallagher. Report here. The reserves are at Leatherhead on Tuesday in the Suburban League Cup, while the youth team are away to Worthing on Monday in the Lucas Fettes Isthmian Youth League Cup, the game switched from Gander Green Lane, and on Wednesday they are at home to Walton & Hersham in the Surrey Under 18 Floodlit Cup semi final.

After a successful run of away games which has seen Sutton rise to third place in the Ryman League table, U's return to Gander Green Lane tomorrow when they entertain Maidstone United, whose important home win on Tuesday against Billericay gave them some breathing space at the other end of the table. That was only their third home league win of the season, one of the other two coming against Sutton in November, but their away form has been very good with seven wins in their fifteen away games. Last season U's led 2-0 early in the second half but Maidstone came back to grab a 2-2 draw, so U's are still looking for their first win over the Kent club since being relegated two seasons ago. Unbeaten in the last seven league games, U's received a boost without playing on Thursday when Horsham, who could have moved level on points with Sutton had they won, lost 2-1 to bottom of the table Waltham Abbey.

Sutton's reserves are away to Ashford in a Suburban League game on Saturday.

The club has agreed to establish a training programme, using professional training providers, for match-day stewards.  This is an accredited, subsidised course leading to a recognised NVQ, the full value of the training is over £800 per person but we are offering it for FREE to volunteers.  Apart from an initial session, all of the training can be carried out on match-days. It will probably span the end of this season and the start of the next. All we would ask in return is a commitment to steward at least 5 games next season.

If you would like to volunteer for this course, please e-mail secretary@suttonunited.net .    

Manager Ebrima admitted Sutton United were a long way from their best in beating Manda 3-2 at Feele Ba yesterday evening. The U's fought back from going 2-0 down inside five minutes to win their second game in the Charity Cup group A clash with Manda FC.
Demba Jobe was again in the score sheet on the stroke of half-time to halve the deficit, taking advantage of a goalkeeping error to prod home the ball for the U's first on the evening and his second in two games. Late goals from Adama and skipper Chorr completed the comeback and avoided a home embarrassment in front of the U's fateful.
Sutton struggled to scruff the game by the neck and settle into the game and on occassions gave away possession relatively cheaply for a home team but Ebrima was content simply to register all three points. " We did not play well and got really lucky with the first goal to be honest, but we wanted to get a win in the game even if it required showing the patience the lads displayed in the game to secure a qualification spot from the group," he said. " If we focus and concentrate  more on stopping the opponets from scoring it would be easier, if we take our chances it would be much better but the most important thing is that we have secured the three points and it is up to us to decide if we should qualify or not," he concluded.
Sutton's next and final group game is away to Daru United on Thursday, 4th March 2010 in a crunch 'much needed victory' tie at Abuko.

A Steve Watts goal after 47 minutes gave Sutton United a 1-0 victory today in their Ryman League Premier Division match at Ashford Town (Middlesex). Skipper Jason Goodliffe returned to the side after injury. Click here for the match report with photos and here for Paul Doswell's reaction.

Subject to the weather, Sutton visit Ashford Town (Middlesex) on Saturday to take on another of the sides in the top half of the Ryman League challenging for a playoff plac. Sutton's draw at Tooting saw them move a point ahead of Ashford, who have played three games more, and U's place in the playoff zone survived Thursday's game between Kingstonian and Wealdstone, which finished in a 3-3 draw that kept Wealdstone a point behind U's albeit with a game in hand. U's recent form has been good, and they are unbeaten in the league since meeting Ashford in mid-January, where a defensive horror show in the first twenty minutes saw them concede a three goal lead which, despite dominating much of the rest of the game, they found impossible to claw back. Bradley Woods-Garness could feature in the U's squad after being recalled from his loan at Hendon earlier this week, James Norwood having returned to Exeter. Prospects for the game depend on the weather overnight and early on Saturday morning, and any further heavy rain is likely to make an inspection necessary. As soon as we have any updates we will post them here. Travel details are on the 'away travel' page - supporters who are driving should be aware that it is Racing Post Chase day at Kempton Park, while trains to Ashford are likely to be very crowded due to England v Ireland at Twickenham (4pm kick off) - there are also no direct trains between Sutton and Clapham Junction.

The reserves are scheduled to be at home to Basingstoke tomorrow in the Suburban League.

Katark United came from behind to snatch all three points beating Sutton 2-1 in a cameo come-back in the on-going CETJ Charity Cup on Saturday. Sutton took a deserved early lead through Demba Jobe in the 17th minute, but it was the orchestra- Henrique who master minded the goal when he shook-off three opponents before lashing out a 35yrd killer pass which Demba lashed on before rounding off the keeper and slotting home into the empty net. The goal did really settle the U's as they controlled the game and tactics proceedings for the remainder of the first half with the home side, Katark Utd inflicting little harm.
In the second-half, Katark showed no sign of giving up and came out all charged and fired up as they produced strings of scary moments for Ebrima and his charges but they managed to hold on to the lead. However Sutton finally broke down to the intense pressure towards the last quarter of the game as skipper Lamin Chorr bundled the ball into his own net in an attempt to clear off a low drive cross, and Katark sealed the tie a minute into injury time when a long ball found an unmarked player in the far post and his directed powerful header came off the post, rebounded off the back of U's goalie Imam and the Katark players managed to force the ball just past the  goal-line to secure all three points to the astonishment of the few away supporters.
 
The victory placed Katark on top of Group A along side Manda FC although with a superior goal difference to the former. And Sutton are joined at the bottom of the group by Daru United who in third place courtesy of an inferior goal difference to the U's.

Suttonś next home game is at home to group leaders  Manda FC on Friday, 26th February 2010 at Feele Ba in match 5 of the ongoing Charity Cup. Sutton are stuck at the bottom of group A and will need to raise their concentration aspects of the game after giving away all three points to Katark United in the last quaters in game 3 last weekend. It will be the U's first game at home and the team are favourites to land all three points in front of a massive fan base, Manda FC on the other hand got off to a flying start when they humbled Daru United to a 1-0 victory at home and will be hoping to get at least a draw for an away tie.
David Gibba returns to the team after been excused from duties last weekend on family grounds but the duo of Mamadi Djame and Abdou Joof are still away with injuries whiles Adama is pending on confidence
 
Rival Watch: Jangbedula and Santa Yalla had to share the spoils 1-1 in Tuesdays group B encounter at the Buffer Zone.The result keeps Black Stars at the top in group B with three points, Jangbedula and Santa Yalla sit at joint second with a point apiece and Greenland are bottom of the pool after the first round of games in the group.
For the remainder of the weekend games on Saturday, Daru Utd take on Katark Utd in game 6, whiles Black Stars take on Jangebula Utd in game 7. On Sunday, Santa Yala take on Greenland Utd in the days' only match to round off the second round of games in the CETJ Charity cup 2010.

Heavy rain overnight and this morning has forced the postponement of tonight's scheduled Surrey Premier Cup semi final at home to Metropolitan Police, which has been rearranged for this Wednesday, 24 February, kick off 7.45.

Today's Suburban League game at home to AFC Wimbledon has been postponed as the pitch is still unfit after the week's rain. The reserves are due to be at home to Metropolitan Police on Monday in the semi final of the Surrey Premier Cup, kick off 7.45.

There are no problems envisaged with today's Ryman League game at Tooting.

Following a mid-afternoon pitch inspection, tonight's Ryman League game at home to Harrow Borough has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. It will now be played on Tuesday 23 March, kick off 7.45pm. The reserves' Suburban League Cup tie at Leatherhead has also been called off.

Sutton Utd Gambia will start their second season in this Charity Cup when they kick off their bid for a 1st CETJ Cup title by going head-to-head with with the Sukutarian outfit, Katark United. The U's will start the competition away to Katark on Saturday 20th February, 2010 where they would be hoping for history to repeat itself  with a win as in the last time they participated in the 2008 competition.

SUFCG's first home cup tie will be against Manda FC representing Kombo South the following Friday, 26th February 2010, and the team faces debutants Daru United five days later, as the U's travel away to an unconfirmed venue on March 4th to round up their group stage matches.

But the real intrigue promises to come almost seven days after all group games have been played, on March 13th and 14th when the two semi-finals will be staged over one legged tie, and Ebrima and his team hope to be involved.

The final fixture of the cup competition at Buffer Zone on March 28 - just two weeks later - will see the two best teams lock horns and could have a major say in Sutton's 'Nawettan' League shake-up if they  ever get to this point.    See attachment for the fixtures in full.

Sutton United drew 2-2 today at Gander Green Lane in their Ryman League Premier Division encounter with Hastings United. After the visitors deservedly led at half-time, the U's pressed for most of the second half but had to wait until the last ten minutes before Sonny Cobbs equalised and then Matt Hann fired them ahead, only for Hastings to make it 2-2. Full report, with match & Football Festival photos, here and Paul Doswell's verdict here.

Meanwhile Daniel Harding scored twice and Harry Ottaway and Chris Beard once each, the latter from the penalty spot, as the reserves won 4-0 at Bedfont Green. Report to follow. With 8 games to play, the U's have a 10-point lead over AFC Wimbledon at the top of the table. The reserves are at Leatherhead on Tuesday in the 3rd round of the Suburban League Cup.

The youth team play at Tooting on Monday in the Ryman Youth League

Having won at leaders Dartford last week, Sutton play the first of four games this month against the sides immediately above and below them in the current Ryman League table tomorrow when they welcome Hastings, at present in third place, to Gander Green Lane. By the end of February U's will also have played Boreham Wood (4th), Tooting (6th) and Ashford(7th), all away, so starting that schedule with three points at home tomorrow would be a big confidence booster. Until last Saturday, Sutton's performance in winning 3-1 at Hastings in October was probably their best in the league away from home this season, while they completed the double over the Sussex side last season, winning 2-1 at home and 2-0 away. Hastings have one of the division's leading scorers in Ade Olorunda, and recently signed tall left-sided player Tyrone Sterling, who caught the eye at Gander Green Lane playing for Cray Wanderers in last season's FA Cup. U's have an injury doubt over Alan Pouton, suffering from a knee injury picked up at Dartford, while James Hawes and Jason Goodliffe are both still out, although Hawes' ankle injury is making progress and Goodliffe is about a fortnight away from being able to have a run-out with the reserves. It will be a busy afternoon at Gander Green Lane with female spectators admitted free as part of this weekend's Women and Girls' Football Festival, which continues on Sunday in Collingwood Recreation Ground, and as well as having some girls' football on the pitch before the game tomorrow we also have a local dance troupe providing entertainment before the game and at half time, and among the day's guests is Faye White MBE, the England and Arsenal Ladies' captain.

The reserves are away to Bedfont Green in the Suburban League.

This week's Lucas Fettes Isthmian Youth League cup tie at home to Worthing has been postponed as Worthing have a number of players involved in a county game. It will now be played next Wednesday, 17 February, which means that the youth team will play twice next week as they also visit Tooting on Monday in the Ryman Youth League.

Tomorrow night (Tuesday) the reserves are at home to Tonbridge in the Suburban League Cup (7.45).

Sutton United recorded a deserved 2-0 victory today in their Ryman League Premier Division match at league leaders Dartford. James Norwood scored six minutes before half time and substitute Sam Gargan sealed the points eleven minutes from time. Click here for the match report, with photos, and for reaction from Paul Doswell and midfielder Francis Quarm click here.

Sutton have the chance to test themselves against the Ryman League leaders tomorrow when they visit Dartford (travel details here), who are currently ten points clear at the top of the table. The Kent club powered away at the start of the season, winning twelve of their first thirteen games, including a 3-0 win at Gander Green Lane in a game that was a lot closer than the scoreline suggests, but they lost their 100% away record on Tuesday when they went down by the only goal at Billericay, and have won only one of their last four home games in the league. U's confidence may also be boosted by memories of a superb game at Princes Park last season which they won 3-2, Chukki Eribenne scoring twice. Sutton will still be without Jason Goodliffe, while James Hawes will also be missing having failed to train all week due to an ankle injury. Dartford recently signed striker Carl Rook from Tonbridge but he is doubtful through illness, although leading scorer Lee Burns is available again after suspension.

The reserves are at home to Wealdstone tomorrow (3pm).

Sutton United recorded a 3-2 victory today in their Ryman League Premier Division match at home to Aveley. After conceding an early goal U's came back to lead 3-1 at half time through Charlie Taylor, James Norwood and Francis Quarm, and held on to the points in the second half after Aveley had reduced the arrears ten minutes after the break. Click here for the report, with photos, and here for Paul Doswell's verdict.

Two goals from Jerson Dos Santos gave the reserves a 2-0 win at Tooting in the Suburban League. Report here. The reserves face Redhill at Gander Green Lane on Tuesday in the Surrey Premier Cup, kick off 7.45, with the youth team at home to Chipstead in the Ryman Youth League on Wednesday.

24th January 1970 saw the U’s play host to Leeds United in the 4th Round of the FA Cup. The first time we had reached the 4th Round; the first time we had ever gone beyond the 1st Round and our first appearance on Match of the Day. In those days opponents did not come any bigger or better than Leeds. Football League champions, favourites to land the European Cup and packed full of household names: Bremner, Charlton, Hunter, Giles, Clarke….. Not surprisingly the professionals beat the amateurs comfortably, 6-0, but the players who represented Sutton that day, forty years ago today, deserve to remembered prominently in this club’s rich history and many of them were re-united at yesterday’s game against Tonbridge as we launched our commemorative book about that big day.

This is how we lined up against Leeds:-

Dave Roffey: The goalkeeping veteran of two Amateur Cup finals for Sutton, with over 380 appearances to his name, Dave had by popular acclaim been the man who kept the U’s in the cup with his display in the 3rd Round tie at Hillingdon. He later moved to Dulwich Hamlet and his son Trevor helped make FA Cup history for the U’s 19 years later.

Rod Brookes: Joined the U’s from Wimbledon in 1965 as a centre-forward but was equally at home in midfield or defence and is remembered as the hard-man of the team. Rod left for Dulwich Hamlet in 1972 after scoring 46 goals in 351 games.

Dennis Clarke: A much-travelled and highly respected defender who played most of his football in Essex, including spells at Walthamstow Avenue and Ilford. Dennis joined in the 1967/8 season and left in 1970/71 after making 149 appearances.

Ted Powell: Captain of Sutton and England, Ted was seen as amateur football’s Bobby Moore. An important addition to the ranks when the U’s became Isthmians in 1963, he missed the 1969 trip to Wembley because of a broken leg. He left for Wycombe Wanderers in the summer of 1970 but returned to the U’s in 1973 and took over as player-manger for the 73/74 season. Ted guided U’s to the 1st Round of the FA Cup in November 1975, a narrow defeat against Bournemouth, before returning to Wycombe as manager. He later managed the Malawi national side and won the European U-18 title with an England side that included Sol Campbell and Robbie Fowler. Ted sadly passed away in 2005. Ted scored 25 goals in 409 Sutton games. 51 England Amateur caps.

John Faulkner: Signed from Cray Wanderers at the start of the 1969/70 season, John saw himself as a goalscoring forward before Sid Cann told him that he would be a centre-half at Sutton. It proved a shrewd move, Faulkner was an outstanding success and his display against Leeds earned him a transfer to Elland Road after 8 goals in 43 games for the U‘s. His career there never really recovered from an own-goal on his debut and a broken leg in his second game but he made 209 appearances for Luton Town before spells in America with Memphis Rogues and California Surf. John is still involved in football as a sports psychologist.

Dario Gradi: Nationally the most well-known of the Sutton team after his long spell as manager of Crewe Alexandra, whom he guided to a 3-0 win over Darlington yesterday. Dario joined the U’s from Tooting & Mitcham in the 1964/5 season and made 343 appearances, scoring 3 times. It would have been 4 but his effort in the 1969 Amateur Cup Final was disallowed. A coach at Chelsea, the FA eventually ruled that his job made him a professional and he had to stop playing amateur football, his last Sutton appearance came in the 1971/72 season. Dario re-joined the U’s as coach in 1976 after leaving Chelsea and soon took over from Roy Osborne as manager, before leaving to become assistant to Colin Murphy at Derby County. An England Amateur international.

Trevor Bladon: A match winner in a team of match winners, Trevor was nominally a winger but still managed to score an amazing 191 times in his 483 games for the U’s. Wembley captain against North Shields and goalscorer against Wimbledon in Amateur Cup Finals. Trevor enjoyed a spell at Dulwich between 1972 and 1976 before a brief return to the Lane during the 76/77 season. An England Amateur international.

Mick Mellows: Trailed by a host of leading clubs including Arsenal when he was still a Sutton Manor schoolboy, Mick made his U’s debut aged 17 in the 65/65 season. He was soon keeping older, more experienced players out of the side and grabbed 94 goals in 231 games before leaving for Reading in 1970. Mick then joined many of his old colleagues at Wycombe before enjoing a professional career at Portsmouth.. He is now a director of Faith And Football. 15 England Amateur caps

Peter Drabwell: A free-scoring centre-forward whose aerial ability belied his stature. Peter was another Essex-based player but his 50 goals in just 96 games between 1968 and 1971 make him one of United’s most prolific and best loved strikers.

Larry Pritchard: Signed by Sid Cann after an eye-catching performance for Leatherhead against Sutton in the 1965 Surrey Senior Cup Final, Larry quickly established himself as one of the finest players in amateur football and helped himself to 79 goals from midfield in his first 4 seasons. Another to join Wycombe in 1970 where he went on to win three league titles, Larry returned to the Lane in 1974 aged 30 but went on to play a further 532 games in amber & chocolate (excluding his memorable testimonial against Spurs), taking his career total for the U’s to 786, a club record. He also netted 134 times. Larry joined Barrie Williams’ coaching team and was team manager for the 1980s title successes, later returning as reserve team and then first team manager in the 1990s. 48 England Amateur caps.

Terry Howard: One of the best-known players on the circuit with a host of medals to his name when he joined the U’s in 1967, Terry was a left-winger with a passing resemblance to Frannie Lee and scored 92 times in 193 appearances before joining Ilford in the 1970/71 season. Still working at Billingsgate fish market. An England Amateur international.

Trevor Waughman: The youngest member of the squad, Trevor was a pacy forward with a long-throw and made his debut in 1969. He scored 22 times in 104 games over two seasons before joining the exodus to Wycombe. He also later played for Farnborough Town.

Sid Cann: The team’s manager had been a player with Manchester City in the 1933 FA Cup Final before joining Charlton Athletic. Sid started to gain a reputation for his coaching and managed Southampton before becoming manager at Wycombe where he won two leagues titles before coaching Norwich City. Sid joined Sutton in summer ‘62 and created the club’s first “golden era”, reaching Wembley in ‘63 and ‘69 and winning the club’s first Isthmian League title in 1967. Sid managed the U’s in around 590 competitive matches before being replaced as manager by his protégée Powell in 1973.

Tonbridge Angels visit Gander Green Lane for the second time this season on Saturday, with Sutton hoping to improve both on their performance on Tuesday night, when they lost 4-2 at home to Ashford, and also their effort when Tonbridge were last at the ground in October, when the Kent club cruised to an easy 2-0 win in the FA Carlsberg Trophy. Since then Tonbridge have struggled for form, and are without a win in their last six league games, having last picked up maximum points at home to Hendon on November 17, and they dropped to 15th place in the table following Aveley's draw at Harrow on Tuesday. Sutton will still be without Sonny Cobbs, whose last minute goal earned U's a 2-1 win at the Longmead Stadium in September, as he serves the second game of a two match suspension, and James Fraser picked up a foot injury on his debut, but James Norwood should be fit to return to the squad having missed Tuesday's game through tonsillitis.

The game sees the launch of the book 'A Tale of Two Uniteds', which commemorates the 40th anniversary this weekend of Sutton's FA Cup 4th Round tie at home to Leeds United in 1970. A number of the Sutton players who played in that game will be guests at Gander Green Lane tomorrow, and it is hoped they will appear on the pitch prior to the kick off.

Sutton's reserves, who last played on Monday 14 December, are scheduled to return to action tomorrow with a Suburban League game at Uxbridge.

We are in contact with all of the Sutton team from the FA Cup tie against Leeds United in 1970, with one exception;  Dennis Clarke.

If anyone knows how we can contact Dennis, whom we believe also played for Walthamstow Avenue and was last heard of living in Essex, please do get in touch. 

secretary@suttonunited.net

Next Saturday's game against Tonbridge Angels also marks 40 years since our FA Cup 4th Round tie against Leeds United, and we will launching our commemorative book.

Most of the team from January 1970 will be joining us. We can confirm Trevor Bladon, Rod Brookes, Larry Pritchard, Trevor Waughman, Peter Drabwell, Mick Mellows and John Faulkner and are delighted that Susan Powell will also be joining us. 

These famous names are rare visitors to the Lane these days, so this is an opportunity for anyone who would like one of these players to join them as part of our Legends' Lunches scheme.  If this would interest you, please e-mail secretary@suttonunited.net

Manager Paul Doswell has signed midfielder James Fraser from Eastbourne Borough as he looks to boost his squad ahead of what will be a hectic schedule following the recent bad weather and spate of postponements, the latest of which saw this weekend's trip to Boreham Wood called off. For further details, and the latest news from Paul on the current position regarding signings and injuries, click here.

Tomorrow's game at Boreham Wood has been postponed.

Sutton have a full list of fixtures again after the games against Horsham and Billericay were rearranged today. U's will be at home to Horsham on Tuesday 9th March, kick off 7.45, and will visit Billericay three weeks later on Tuesday 30th March, kick off 7.45.

On 24^th January 1970 the U’s experienced their first flirtation with national FA Cup glory when they entertained the mighty Leeds United, League Champions and perhaps the most feared team in Europe, in the 4^th round of the cup.

The clash caught the country’s imagination, with England’s best professional side up against arguably the best amateur team, and Leeds boss Don Revie paid the U’s the ultimate compliment of fielding his strongest team, all of them household names and brimming with full internationals.

Not surprisingly the visitors ran out comfortable winners, by six goals to nil, but the tie set Gander Green Lane’s all-time attendance record of 14,000 and remains one of the greatest days in the Club’s history.

To mark the 40^th anniversary of that remarkable day, author and U’s fan Jeff Perkins has written a superb new book in collaboration with editor Nigel Davis,  “A Tale of Two Uniteds”, that covers not only that match itself but the build-up to the big day and the bigger story of how the two clubs and personalities involved came together for a couple of unforgettable hours in sleepy Sutton under the gaze of the BBC cameras.

Full of evocative photographs, quotes and interviews with many of the players, Jeff’s book runs to more than 250 pages and is a must-have read for any U’s fan, past or present.

The book will be launched at our match at home to Tonbridge Angels on 23rd January, when U’s legend Larry Pritchard will be the Club’s guest of honour.

The book will be priced at £6.95, but until the end of this season you can buy the book at the Supporters’ Club shop on match days for the excellent price of just £5.

Another Tuesday in the fixture list has now been occupied with the rearrangement of the Ryman League game at Margate for Tuesday 16 March, kick off 7.45. With the games at home to Harrow (16 February) and away to Cray (23 February) already re-scheduled, that leaves the away game at Billericay and tomorrow's postponed game at home to Horsham requiring new dates.

We regret that tonight's appearance at the Boom Boom Club by Imagine The Beatles has been cancelled.

U's director for Health & Safety, Dave Farebrother, commented that "the car park is still covered in snow and is icy in parts and with further bad weather expected it is simply too dangerous."

It is hoped to re-arrange tonight's gig, which was close to being a sell-out, for another date.

The youth and veterans' games scheduled for tonight are both off.

The Ryman League game away to Cray Wanderers, postponed last week due to a waterlogged pitch, will now be played on Tuesday 23 February, kick off 7.45pm.

D-Day minus 18     Second set ?

D-Day minus 17     My first is in Carshalton, but not in Sutton !

D-Day minus 16     All we are saying, is give us a goal. 

D-Day minus 15     The Club's matchday guest will be Larry Pritchard

What could it be ?  More clues to follow........

Sutton United drew 0-0 today in their Ryman League Premier Division match at Carshalton Athletic. Match report, with photos, here and Paul Doswell's views on the game here.

Andre Costa and Billy Dunn are set to join Walton and Hersham on a month's loan.

The game at Carshalton is on.

A week after a 3-0 victory at Gander Green Lane, Sutton go to Colston Avenue on Saturday for the second leg of the Christmas/New Year local derby double. Both U’s and Carshalton fell victim to Tuesday’s heavy rain, but the danger to tomorrow’s game is more likely to be frost, and should there be any doubts about the game going ahead we will have news on this website. Sutton will have Billy Hawes available after he missed the Boxing Day game through suspension, while Billy Dunn has been recalled from his loan at Hendon and could feature in the squad, having scored in the corresponding fixture last season when U’s won 2-0. Carshalton will be without leading scorer Richard Jolly, who is away.

The reserves' scheduled game at home to Basingstoke has been postponed..

Following a 6pm pitch inspection the game has been postponed 

Having seen the sides in second and third place in the Ryman League table lose on Bank Holiday Monday, Sutton, in sixth place after the Boxing Day win over Carshalton, will be looking to take closer order at the top of the table when they play Cray Wanderers in a league game for the first time. The sides did meet last season at Gander Green Lane in the FA Cup, U's winning 3-1, but Cray finished the season earning promotion through the playoffs, and will come in to Tuesday's game boosted by a draw at leaders Dartford on Saturday, although in home games, which have mainly been played at Bromley's Hayes Lane ground, the venue for Tuesday's game, they have struggled somewhat with just two wins in eleven games, and this home form has made it difficult for them to climb away from the lower reaches of the table. Billy Hawes is available for Sutton again after suspension, while manager Paul Doswell reported after Saturday's game that both Charlie Taylor (shoulder) and Alan Pouton (knee) could be struggling to be fit after being forced off on Saturday by injury. Heavy rain is forecast for most of Tuesday, so if necessary we will update this website later with any news of the prospects for the game.  

Sutton United recorded a 3-0 victory today in their Ryman League Premier Division match at home to Carshalton Athletic in front of a gate of 1027. Charlie Taylor scored twice in the first half and Steve Watts converted a penalty after James Norwood was tripped. Click here for the match report, with photos, and here for Paul Doswell's reaction. After the game Taylor celebrated his two goal performance by signing a contract until the end of next season.

Scriven, Hann, El-Salahi, Bray, J Hawes, Phillips (Watts), Pouton (McKoy),  Cobbs, Taylor (McKimm) Gargan, Norwood.

Tuesday 22nd December,  after a 1pm pitch inspection the game has been called off.

GAME OFF

because of snow

Sutton and Margate meet for the fourth time this season tomorrow when U’s visit the Kent coast in the Ryman League (travel details here). It’s the reverse fixture from the opening day of the season, when Stefan Payne projected himself in to the limelight with a hat trick as U’s began their season with a 4-0 win, but in September it looked as though Margate were set for revenge when they led U’s 2-0 at Hartsdown Park in the 1^st qualifying round of the FA Cup, and then, after U’s had come back to force a replay, Margate led 2-1 with the replay entering injury time, but Danny Phillips equalised and Sonny Cobbs scored an extra time winner to send U’s on the run which ended at Hereford in the 1^st round proper. Since then Margate have parted company with manager Terry Yorath, with Mark Butler moving from Ashford Town (Middlesex) to take over, and one of his first actions was to secure the services of Anthony Joseph, a former Ashford player, on a three month loan from Sutton, although under the terms of the loan he is not eligible to play tomorrow. U’s face being without Jason Goodliffe and Steve Perkins for the next fortnight as both are suffering from knee injuries, but there could be a debut for midfielder Nick McKoy, who has been signed after beginning this season with Grays. He has previously played for MK Dons, Cardiff, Torquay, St Johnstone and Enfield Town. More good news for U’s supporters is that James Norwood’s loan from Exeter has been extended for a second month. The weather could pose a problem for tomorrow’s game – Margate avoided the heavy snow overnight, although other areas of Kent were badly hit and supporters should check travel plans before leaving, but more snow is forecast for East Kent later on Friday. We will have the latest news on this site and on Clubcall on Saturday morning. One casualty of the weather is the FA County Youth Cup tie between Surrey and Liverpool at Gander Green Lane, which has been postponed

Sutton United recorded a 1-0 victory today in their Surrey Senior Cup 1st Round match at Tooting & Mitcham. Charlie Taylor scored the winner after 41 minutes. Click here for the match report with photos and here for Paul Doswell's views. 

Goals from Jerson Dos Santos (2) and Jazz Gold gave the U's a 3-1 win at Merstham in the Surrey Premier Cup against Warlingham. Click here for report. The youth team have a game on Wednesday away to Chipstead in the Ryman Youth League.

Next Saturday sees the launch of a new initiative as the regular Saturday pre-match meal welcomes the first U's Legend to kick-off the Legends' Lunches scheme.

Ricky Kidd will be the first Legend to attend as a lunch guest, but we have plenty more lined up and if your favourite is not already on our list we will do our best to get in touch with them. Legends' Lunches are aimed at parties of four, including your Legend who will be your personal table guest, and you will receive a signed photograph of your group as a memento. Packages can be tailored to suit different requirements. For details, or to book a lunch, please speak to Mike Bryant or e-mail secretary@suttonunited.net.

As people who were at the Wealdstone and Tooting games may have heard over the PA or seen in the programme, we have decided that there will be no admission charged for the home Ryman League game against Harrow Borough on Tuesday 22 December, kick off 7.45pm, which was rearranged from its original date in October when Sutton were involved in the 4th qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Click here to download a poster advertising the Harrow game (PDF document)

After a week of mixed results which saw them sweep aside Wealdstone with a superb performance on Saturday but then slump to a home defeat against Tooting on Tuesday, Sutton travel to AFC Hornchurch tomorrow (travel details on the 'away travel' page under the 'fans' section - note disruption for anyone travelling by train between Sutton and London Bridge), a ground where they have lost all three of their previous encounters, most recently last season when Hornchurch's winning goal came from Simon Parker, who also scored for Tooting on Tuesday. Sutton did beat the Essex side convincingly at Gander Green Lane in August, and Hornchurch have struggled for much of this season but did compete with Sutton for the most eye-catching result of last weekend when they inflicted leaders Dartford's first league defeat of the season, winning 1-0 at Princes Park, and they took Blue Square South side Chelmsford to a replay in the FA Trophy the previous week, drawing 4-4 away before losing 2-1 at home. Sutton, now 6th in the table after Tooting jumped above them on Tuesday, will have Charlie Taylor and Sonny Cobbs back in the squad after both missed Tuesday's game, Taylor delayed on his way to the game and Cobbs on an overseas trip, but Karim El-Salahi remains an injury doubt having hurt his back in training last week - he has been undergoing treatment and is hopeful of being fit by the weekend.

The reserves are at home to Basingstoke tomorrow in the Suburban League.

The Fun-Day crowd were treated to some scintillating football as Sutton United recorded a 5-0 victory today in their Ryman League Premier Division match at home to Wealdstone. Full report, with photos, here and Paul Doswell's reaction here.

Two sides with their eyes firmly on a Ryman League play off place meet at Gander Green Lane tomorrow when Wealdstone are the visitors for a game that could see the winners in the top five tomorrow evening. Like Sutton, Wealdstone had the FA Cup as a distraction until earlier this month, when they went out to Rotherham in the first round, but they also had FA Trophy interest until their defeat at Farnborough last week so have games in hand over all the sides in the top half of the table including U's. They are unbeaten in the league since losing at home to Tooting in the first midweek programme of the season, and although U's looked briefly as though they might also return from Grosvenor Vale with all three points later in August when Stefan Payne put them ahead, goals from Mark E'Beyer and Danny Spendlove, the latter an injury time winner, turned the game around. Karim El-Salahi is an injury doubt for Sutton after hurting his back in training on Thursday, but Sonny Cobbs returns after suspension and Andre Costa is also expected to feature after scoring five goals in two reserve games this week. The game will see the first Community Fun Day in conjunction with the local Metropolitan Police Safer Neighbourhood Scheme, which was postponed with the Ashford game, with a number of local schools represented including Cheam High, the first time a senior school has been involved in the scheme.

The reserves are away to Northwood tomorrow.

Sutton United and Paul Doswell are delighted to announce that they have reached an agreement to extend Paul's commitment to the club by a further two seasons. U's manager took over in May 2008 under an agreement that was due to expire at the end of this season, but it has now been confirmed that the arrangement has been extended to the end of the 2011-2012 season.

Club chariman Bruce Elliott said: ''We were aware that the agreement had originally been to the end of this season and we were keen to sort things out quickly so that there was no uncertainty both from the point of view of the club and also Paul and his staff, and we're delighted to have reached the agreement with someone who has done a great deal for us in his time here.''

Paul Doswell commented: ''Everyone knows that my initial goal when I came here was to get the club back in to the Conference South and that's something that I'd like to achieve. There's been lots achieved already but I think we're still at the beginning of the journey. The agreement covers all the backroom staff as well, which is great for me as they're all a huge part of this club, and I'm very pleased to be able to commit this time to the club for the next two and a half years.

Yesterday's massacre of Beaconsfield SYCOB saw U's take their goal tally to 67 in just 18 games and they have a handsome lead at the top of the Premier Division table.

                                     Pld    W D L    GD    Pts

1. Sutton United         18    15  2  1    48    47

2. Leatherhead           17    11  1  5    18    34

3. AFC Wimbledon     16    10  2  4    20   32

On Saturday Sutton renew acquaintances with Bognor Regis at Nyewood Lane (travel details in 'away travel' section under the 'fans' heading - note disruption to train services), the Sussex side having been relegated from Blue Square South at the end of last season, a year after Sutton had made the same drop. Bognor have continued to struggle at the start of this season and go in to tomorrow's game with only Billericay below them in the table, but their recent form has been reasonable and they are unbeaten in their last four league games, a run that included an impressive 3-3 draw at leaders Dartford, where Jason Prior scored a hat trick. Their squad is likely to include two players who were with Sutton last season, full back Jack Smith, who returned to the line-up after a month out in Tuesday's home draw with Harrow, and centre back Tim Bond, who took over the captain's armband from the injured James Crane during that game. Sutton haven't won in four league and cup games since their FA Cup win at Hampton, and dropped in to the lower half of the table with Tuesday's defeat against Maidstone, albeit with games in hand over eight of the top eleven teams. Sonny Cobbs will miss tomorrow's game having picked up a one match ban for accumulating five cautions, but loan striker James Norwood joins the squad after his move from Exeter.

The reserves have a home Suburban League game against Beaconsfield SYCOB. If the weather lives down to the forecast for tomorrow check with this site and Clubcall for updates on the prospects of play in both games.

FOLLOWING FURTHER HEAVY RAIN OVERNIGHT, TODAY'S MATCH HAS BEEN POSTPONED. The reserves' game at Tonbridge is still on as at 9.30am - we will update this if the situation changes.

After the distractions of cup football over recent weeks, Sutton are now free to concentrate on maintaining their push for a play-off place in the Ryman League and tomorrow entertain Ashford Town (Middlesex) at Gander Green Lane, going in to the game just two points behind  fifth placed Carshalton. Ashford have undergone a change of manager this season, with Mark Butler leaving to take over at Margate and former Jamaica international Jamie Lawrence replacing him, and he started his managerial career at Short Lane with a victory last Saturday away to Harrow Borough, one of his former clubs as a player, which lifted Ashford in to 12^th place, a point behind Sutton although they have played three games more. Like Sutton, they went out of the Championship Manager Cup on Tuesday, beaten by Fleet. Ashford's main threat is likely to come from Byron Harrison, joint second highest league scorer in the Premier Division this season with nine goals. U's hope to choose from a fully fit squad, the only slight doubt surrounding Billy Hawes, who turned an ankle in the FA Cup game at Hereford but who expects to be fit after receiving treatment from Bobby Childs this week.

U's will be hoping that the weather is not as bad as forecast, as the afternoon will also see the club's first Community Family Fun Day of the season, in conjunction with the local Metropolitan Police Safer Neighbourhoods scheme, and children from seven of the Borough's primary schools will be at the game, along with pupils from Cheam High School, the first time a senior school has been involved in the event, two of which were successfully staged last season. Pre-match entertainment will include a penalty competition. Radio Marsden will also be there, broadcasting their Saturday afternoon sports show directly from the ground as part of their month's broadcasts to the Sutton area as part of their 40^th anniversary celebrations.

The reserves have an away Suburban League game against Tonbridge tomorrow.

Steve McKimm says that the young players given a game in Tuesday's Championship Manager Cup game at Horsham gave a good account of themselves despite U's 2-1 defeat. Click here for the full interview

From the high profile of the FA Cup, Sutton feature in a lower key cup game on Tuesday when they visit Horsham in the 2^nd round of the Isthmian League Cup, which is now known as the Championship Manager Cup (click here for travel details). The sides have already met once this season at Horsham YMCA’s Gorings Mead ground which Horsham are using for home games, a goal from leading scorer Claude Seanla giving Horsham the Ryman League points, and Seanla also proved the difference last season when Horsham knocked U’s out of the same competition at Gander Green Lane, his hat trick earning a 3-2 extra time win. Manager Paul Doswell says that as last season he will look to use the League Cup to give some of the fringe players a chance. ‘It’s likely to be the seven who started the game at Hereford on the bench, plus three or four others who we think deserve a chance. Certainly Jerson Dos Santos and Steve Perkins will be in the team, and Paul Smith will play in goal, and we’ll also be having a look at Elliot Mitchell, who Steve Griffin’s recommended from the reserves.’’ Two players who won’t be involved are Bradley Woods Garness and Billy Dunn, who have gone on loan to Billericay and Hendon respectively, following Billy Chattaway who joined Leyton on loan last week. ‘’Bradley has gone for one month – he needs games as for whatever reason, mainly injuries, his season hasn’t got going yet. Billy’s gone to Hendon for three months, although we can call him back after 28 days, and I hope he can get himself on the scoresheet and play 90 minutes regularly, because that’s what he needs to further his development.’’

Meanwhile the reserves play at Whyteleafe in the Suburban League.

Just a note to thank all the supporters who made the trip to Hereford on Saturday for your fantastic support throughout the afternoon which yet again enhanced the reputation of Sutton United. Well done to all concerned.

Bruce

To thank the supporters for their efforts during the season so far the Football Club has agreed to contribute towards the cost of the coach or coaches on Saturday. At the moment the fare is expected to be no more than £8, but it will be less the more people travel. We are now down to the last place available on the second coach, which will go on a first come first served basis, so if you do want to claim the last place use the 'contact info' page of this website, choosing 'club shop' in the subject box, as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Alternatively call Alison Denyer on 07939 075854. The coach will leave at 9.30 am.

Although next Saturday's FA Cup tie at Hereford is not all ticket, we do have a supply of tickets for the game that will be on sale after tomorrow's Ryman League game against Waltham Abbey. Seat prices are £15 for adults, and £12 for concessions, and for the terraced enclosure prices are £13 for adults and £9 for concessions. Under 10s travelling to the game with a full paying adult can gain admission for £5, but this offer is not available at the turnstile and so those tickets must be purchased in advance. The Sutton supporters' entrances will be 10, 11 and 12, in the south section of the Cargill Stand which runs alongside Edgar Street.

Tickets will also be available at Tuesday night's Surrey Premier Cup tie at home to Ashford.

Amidst all the activity regarding Sutton's FA Cup run, U's face an important Ryman League game at Gander Green Lane tomorrow when they can move in to the Premier Division playoff places with a victory over Waltham Abbey, who have found life difficult since being promoted through the Division One North playoffs at the end of last season and come in to the game on the back of a 5-0 home defeat by AFC Hornchurch last week, a result that left them with only Billericay and Bognor below the. What success they have had, though, has come away from home and they were unbeaten on their travels until losing at Carshalton earlier this month. Sutton captain Jason Goodliffe has recovered from the hamstring strain that kept him out of the FA Cup tie at Hampton, but is still a slight doubt after sustaining a cut lip in training on Thursday. Steve Perkins came successfully through training, though, and the only definite absentee is Karim El-Salahi, who completes his two match suspension.

Meanwhile the reserves can go twelve points clear at the top of the Suburban League if they beat second placed AFC Wimbledon tomorrow at Walton Casuals' ground.

SUTTON UNITED QUIZ NIGHT 6th November

If you have not already booked your table for our quiz night this could be your last chance as we only have a few tables left, if you would like to book a table please e-mail graham.baker1@virgin.net or call 07816088281

Click here to download a poster (.DOC format) with more info

Thanks Graham Baker V.P.s

They say football is a game of two halves and such was the case on Sunday, 18^th October at the ‘Feele Ba’ when Sutton United played host to Wayeto Utd in the Nawettan league all crunch quarter-final. The clash; arguably the most intensive with the much generated furore and the media hype after the bemusing scandal by the league’s administration reluctance to punish Lamin Lodge FC after breaking league rules but that’s another story we live to narrate another day.

Going into the game… both teams were tipped to win but perhaps the U’s stern perseverance made them the ‘bookies favourite’ but Wayteo however got off to a better start and dominated the first half in the tight-call game. Things went bad from the onset no sooner had the game kicked-off with one player from each camp receiving early matching orders in only the 17^th minute after a common tussle between the U’s key player Musa Joof and his Wayeto counter part. Loosing Sutton’s leading goal scorer in Musa meant Ebrima had to tweak his tactics and relied more on the counter-attacks but this could have other wise proven disastrous as Wayeto came all out and were firing from all cylinders but for the reliable keeper in the U’s goal - Imam Badjie - who was only making his second senior debut for Sutton having earlier made his bow in the league-cup against KGH Sport.

In the second half U’s manager Ebrima went in for a more robust approach and gambled on 15 year old sensation Lamin Jatta to organize the team’s play as Ebrima Bah gave way and indeed it paid dividends as Sutton kept much of the ball and dominated the second half. Center-back Lamin Chorr started play from behind and followed up the counter with a lashing shot on target but was tipped away for a corner. Sutton’s ball possession almost gave them the lead in the 51^st minute as the team changed tactics from countering to knocking the ball around with Lamin Jatta mesmerizing the opponents team’s midfield as he was at the center of all the threats, he played a one-two with Mamadi Jammeh… acted as he was going for goal himself just to release a back-flick to Mamadi who squared in a through pass to Ousman Jarjou to tap past the onrushing Wayeto goalie but hesitated as he pulled the trigger and was tackled on by the Wayeto defense. This uplifted the U’s camp and waves of attack ensued with Gilbert Correa at left-back making two serial over-laps in the 56^th & 57^th minutes but nothing that the Wayeto defense couldn’t take care of. Sutton won a free-kick in the 61^st minute again with Lamin Jatta the provider as he took on the Wayeto right back and Mamadi stepped up for it swerving in a deep curl which was set for goal and again the brilliance of the Wayeto goalie prevented the U’s from taking the lead. Mamadi was again on call in the 67^th minute when he found space around the opponents 18 yards area, took a sharp turn loosing his marker and firing in a cracker only to be denied by the brilliance of the opponents goalie.

Wayeto although hardly setting up any real chances did claim a few but Imam provided the assurance with some of the blips made by his defense, saving a deflection off the back of Lamin Jawla which could have changed the game. With time running out the U’s frustration got worse by the minute but were offered a life-line towards the very end in the 84^th minute with a free-kick just outside the Wayeto area and Mamadi stepped up again but his shot was coolly intercepted by the opponents goalie well before any Sutton player could threaten.

 In the penalty shoot outs Imam did brilliant by saving Wayeto’s first kick and Lamin Jatta steeped up first to boost his more experienced teammates and he slotted home his spot kick with such great ease for a 15 year old in what was the biggest crowd the league has witnessed! Wayeto went on to convert their next three spot-kicks with Sutton… well lets just say could have done better with experienced old heads as the pressure got the best of Abdou Jallow, Saja Jallow who all saw their shots saved with Gilbert Correa misfiring his kick narrowly out.

The youth team having reached the 1^st round proper of the FA Youth Cup last night, Sutton's first team will be hoping to match that on Saturday in the FA Cup, sponsored by E.ON, when they visit Hampton & Richmond Borough in the 4^th qualifying round (click here for travel details). Hampton are currently 14^th in Blue Square South, having been beaten play-off finalists in each of the last two seasons, and have struggled in their home games this season, winning one out of seven, although having been held to a draw at The Beveree by Aveley in the last round they then won the replay. Their squad is likely to include former Sutton players Craig Tanner, John Scarborough and Craig Dundas. Sutton manager Paul Doswell has big selection problems, with his choice of centre backs restricted by injury, suspension and unavailability. Jason Goodliffe has failed to recover from the hamstring injury that saw him substituted at half time against Tonbridge, Karim El-Salahi begins a two match ban, confirmed only this week, after being reported for comments made to an assistant referee from the dugout during the home defeat by Canvey Island, a game he missed through injury, and Bradley Thomas is unavailable as he will be attending his mother's wedding. In addition Steve Perkins suffered a recurrence of a back injury in training and John Cartledge, who was set to step up from the reserves, injured his knee. Paul admits it's a tough situation. ''I even had to ask Bradley if there was any way he could miss the wedding, but he's giving his mum away so it's obviously a very difficult thing to ask. It's got so bad that I might have to tell the chairman, who's been nagging me for weeks to have a game, that he's not only in the squad but starting at centre half!'' Paul hopes that U's supporters will turn The Beveree yellow on Saturday. ''Everyone else is fit and looking forward to the game, so we're geared up to do well and give it our best shot, and what I can promise our supporters is that as always we will be giving 110% right to the end, and I hope they'll get right behind the team and make it sound as though we're the home team.'' The game will be covered by ITV, with action shown in their 1^st round draw programme at 1pm on Sunday, and if it's a draw, the replay will be on Tuesday at Gander Green Lane.

After making the most of a rare Ryman League game on Tuesday, it's back to FA competition action for Sutton tomorrow when they entertain Tonbridge Angels in the 1^st qualifying round of the FA Carlsberg Trophy. The sides have already met once this season, with Sutton coming from a goal down to win the league match at Longmead Stadium four weeks ago, Sonny Cobbs heading an injury time winner, and Tuesday's results, with Sutton winning at Hastings but Tonbridge going down 2-0 at leaders Dartford, saw U's go above their Kent rivals in the league table. The sides have only met once before in cup football, in October 1997 when Tonbridge were in the Southern Division of the Southern League, and U's won that FA Cup 3^rd qualifying round tie 5-1, but it's a reasonable bet that tomorrow's game will be closer. Sutton are without Sam Gargan, who is suspended after picking up his fifth caution of the season at Aveley a fortnight ago, so Bradley Woods-Garness is likely to replace him in attack having scored in his first start of the season at Hastings. Steve Perkins, who was unavailable on Tuesday, returns to the squad. There will be a crowd segregation policy in force at tomorrow's game, with the Collingwood terrace and the Collingwood end of the main stand reserved for Tonbridge supporters, who will enter through the turnstile at that end of the stand. Sutton supporters can use the Collingwood Rec turnstile, though, for admission to the ground. If a replay is required it will be at Tonbridge on Tuesday. The reserves are at Basingstoke tomorrow.

Sutton United recorded a 3-1 victory today in their Ryman League Premier Division match at Hastings United. Sam Gargan opened the scoring 5 minutes before the break and then Bradley Woods-Garness and Jason Goodliffe put the U's three up before Hastings pulled one back with ten minutes to go. Click here for the match report, with photos, and here for Paul Doswell's verdict.

In the Suburban League, the U's beat Ashford Town 3-1 at GGL with two goals from Daniel Harding and one from Stefan Joseph. Billy Chattaway was dismissed for receiving two yellow cards. Report here.

'One of the auction items during next Friday's Sportsman's Dinner will be 4 hospitality tickets for West Ham United's Boxing Day fixture v Portsmouth, kindly donated by our main sponsors A Plant. The package includes entrance to the Castle Suite 3 hours before the 3pm kick off,complimentary pre match 3 course Xmas meal, match programme and half time and full time refreshments.There will also be a guest speaker and ex players Phil Parkes and Tony Cottee normally host the day. The seats give great viewing and are just to the left of the halfway line above the dugouts.

Although this item is being auctioned during the evening we would also like to give all U's fans the chance to bid for this item even if you aren't able to attend the dinner.

Please e-mail your bid to chairman@suttonunited.net by no later than midnight on Thursday 22nd October. The highest bid received will then go forward as a sealed bid into Friday's auction.'

This match will be segregated. Tonbridge supporters will only have access to the terrace at the Collingwood Road and to the stand at that end of the ground. Catering facilities will be available but away supporters will not be allowed to use the club bars. Visiting supporters must use the entrance alongside the stand from the car-park.

Sutton supporters may use any of the usual entrances but may not sit in the stand at the Collingwood Road end.

Tickets are not on sale in advance.

We apologise for any inconvenience these arrangements may cause.

Sutton have been drawn away to the winners of Wednesday night's replay between Aveley and Hampton & Richmond Borough in the 4th qualifying round of the FA Cup, sponsored by E.ON, on Saturday 24 October. The sides meet at Mill Field on Wednesday after a 1-1 draw at The Beveree on Saturday, when former Sutton favourite Craig Dundas scored an equaliser for Hampton, who were beaten finalists in the Blue Square South play-offs last season. U's visited Aveley only last week, winning the Ryman League game 1-0.

Meanwhile in the second round of the Isthmian League Cup, sponsored by Championship Manager, U's will travel to Horsham on Tuesday 10 November. The Sussex side knocked Sutton out of last season's competition, winning 3-2 at Gander Green Lane.

As at 11/10/09

                                P   W D L   GD  Pts

Sutton Utd               11  9  2  0   29    29

AFC Wimbledon    11  7  2  2   18    23

Tooting & M             13  7  1  5   -6    22

Leatherhead            12  7  0  5    9    21

Wealdstone              12  6  2  4   10   20

Northwood               12  6  2  4    8    20

Ashford T (Mddx)    11  5  3  3    6    18

An 86th minute strike by Sam Gargan gave Sutton United a deserved 1-0 victory today in their FA Cup, sponsored by E.ON, 3rd qualifying round match at home to Walton & Hersham. Full report, with photos, now available here, and Paul Doswell's views here.

£184.12 was raised by the ground collection for SUFC Gambia, thank you everyone. That goes a long way out there.

Billy Dunn netted five times as the U's won 6-0 away to Met. Police, with Jazz Gold completing the scoring -  full report here.

Memories of Sutton's most famous FA Cup run may be stirred on Saturday when U's entertain Walton & Hersham in the 3^rd qualifying round of this season's competition. The last FA Cup meeting between the sides, in October 1988 and in the 4^th qualifying round, saw U's go through in a replay at Walton after a 1-1 draw at Gander Green Lane, and launch the run that would see them beat Coventry before going out at Norwich. Walton are in Division One South of the Ryman League and have made a good start to the season, their one competitive defeat coming at home to Worthing in a league game just after the draw had been made. They will be looking for a second Premier Division scalp, having beaten Cray Wanderers at Stompond Lane in the first qualifying round, and U's will have to keep a particular watch on striker David Tarpey, who has scored eleven goals in six games since joining on a dual-registration basis from Hampton last month, including all five of Walton's FA Cup goals so far and, most recently, a 90^th minute equaliser on Tuesday that forced their FA Trophy replay against Whitstable in to extra time before Walton prevailed in a penalty shoot-out. Sutton have doubts over Danny Phillips, Stefan Payne and Jason Goodliffe, who all picked up knocks in last Saturday's win at Aveley, but new signing Steve Perkins, who was a member of the Stevenage squad that held Newcastle to a draw in the third round in 1998, is added to the squad. Stefan Cox and Billy Chattaway are both cup-tied, and Jerson Dos Santos, who signed a contract on Thursday night, is likely to start for the reserves in their Suburban League game against Metropolitan Police.

There will be a bucket collection at half-time in aid of SUFC Gambia.

Sutton United Football Club has formally agreed with NHS Sutton and Merton to work together in partnership to raise key issues in health within the local community.

The game on 10^th October 2009 [Walton and Hersham] will be focusing on raising awareness of the Chlamydia screening programme that is available in the area for sexually active men and women under 25.

Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK; affecting both men and women.

Most people who have it will have no symptoms, without a test you will probably not know anything is wrong. If left untreated Chlamydia can have serious long term health implications, and may lead to infertility (being unable to have children).

The good news is Chlamydia is easily tested for and easy to treat – you don’t need to be examined. Treatment is a course of antibiotics.

Staff from the NHS will be available on the day to discuss the programme and offer Chlamydia testing.

For further information visit:

www.checkurself.org.uk or www.chlamydiascreening.nhs.uk

In fact it's NINE BELOW ZERO !

One of the world's greatest R&B band celebrate their 30th anniversary and promote their new ‘Both Sides of’ electric/acoustic career retrospective CD on Angel Air, as a precursor to a brand new album this year.  Live at the Boom Boom Clubm this Friday, 9th October. Hot food available from 7pn until late.

Nine Below Zero have been busy taking their unique brand of R&B around the world, literally! Apart from the usual Euro jaunts and two US tours the band broke new ground when they teamed up with the British Council to tour Bangladesh, and played to an estimated quarter of a million people.

A CD EP "One Floor in Heaven, One Foot in Hell" was also released with alternative mixes in Hindi and Punjabi. Back home the band have welcomed back their star harp player Mark Feltham (Oasis/Sting/Rory Gallagher), who takes his place alongside band founder member Dennis Greaves, and the former Rory Gallagher rhythm section of Gerry McAvoy and Brendan O'Neill.

Nine Below Zero were in fact the last British R&B band to sell out the Hammersmith Odeon, back in the days of their appearances on TV's "The Young Ones" and "The Old Grey Whistle Test". The latter appearance has been re-issued on the recent best selling compilation DVD. And 25 years on, the band have matured into being the leading outfit of their genre.

Sutton's youth team retained their unbeaten record tonight when a last minute goal from James Page earned a 1-1 draw at Carshalton in the Ryman Youth League. Full report here. The youth team's next game is at home to Colliers Wood next Wednesday in the 2nd qualifying round of the FA Youth Cup

                          MEET THE MANAGER AND CHAIRMAN

                   Thursday 8 October - 7.30pm - VPs' bar SUFC

We are very grateful to Paul Doswell and Bruce Elliott for setting aside the evening of Thursday 8 October to answer supporters' questions about the team and the club in general. We are hoping for a big turn out for this opportunity for fans to find out more from Paul about the running of the team and the decisions he makes - he will be available from 7.30pm to 9pm to answer your questions. After a short break, Bruce will then pick up the baton and answer your questions about the club. Last year this evening was a great success with both men offering honest and insightful views on what they are hoping to achieve for Sutton United FC. Paul's huge enthusiasm and the tremendous hard work he has put in speak volumes for the ambitions he has for the team - come and find out for yourself what he is hoping to achieve on the pitch and how he hopes to get there. The huge amount of work Bruce and his colleagues do for the club off the pitch is often not recognised. Come and find out his views on what it takes to run this club and where we he hopes to take it.

SUFC is YOUR local club - this will be a really interesting evening but it's down to you to ask the questions. Make sure you come along and spread the word to others to come too.

Sutton's reserves beat Staines Lammas 2-0 at Gander Green Lane tonight in the first round of the Surrey Premier Cup to earn a home second round tie against Ashford. Tommy Kavanagh and Stuart Young scored the goals. Click here for report. The reserves are at home on Saturday to Leatherhead in a top of the table Suburban League clash. kick off 3pm.

Sutton United recorded a 3-0 victory today in their FA Cup, sponsored by E.ON, 2nd qualifying round match at home to Uxbridge. Jason Goodliffe headed the U's into a 20th minute lead before second half efforts by Sam Gargan and Anthony Joseph sealed the win. Click here for the match report with photos and here for Paul Doswell's verdict.

In the Suburban League the U's drew 2-2 at Wealdstone despite Harry Ottaway being sent off. Jerson Dos Santos scored both goals to keep the U's top of the table on 23 points from 9 games. Full report here. Leatherhead are 5 points behind but have played a game more and AFCW are a point further back but with a game in hand.

After Sonny Cobbs' extra time winner saw off the challenge of Margate, Sutton entertain Uxbridge on Saturday in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup, sponsored by E.ON. Uxbridge are currently mid-table in the South & West Division of the Zamaretto Southern League, and have featured in several high scoring games this season, including their first qualifying round success over Ash, when striker Ryan O'Toole scored all the Uxbridge goals in a 4-3 win. The sides last met in the FA Cup in 1971 at Uxbridge's original Honeycroft ground, with U's winning 3-1 but in more recent meetings Uxbridge have had the better of things despite always being at least one level below Sutton. Four seasons ago they knocked U's out of the FA Trophy in a replay at Gander Green Lane after a 2-2 draw at the newer Honeycroft, and in February 2001 a 2-0 result saw U's knocked out of the Full Members' Cup. One of the scorers that night, Lee Tunnell, is in the Uxbridge squad tomorrow having now scored over 100 goals for the club. U's last victory came against the Middlesex side came in the League Cup in November 1997, when Nassim Akrour made his debut in a 3-0 win. Sutton will definitely be without Stefan Cox and Billy Chattaway for Saturday's game as they are both cup-tied. If a replay is required it will be at Uxbridge on Tuesday.

Chairman Bruce Elliott will be appearing on the Talksport Weekend Sports Breakfast show with Mark Saggers and former Coventry striker Micky Quinn tomorrow at about 11.15 to discuss Sutton's FA Cup history. Talksport is on digital radio, and also on medium wave at 1053 or 1089AM.

Dartford, top of the Ryman League Premier Division after a flying start that has only seen them drop two points in eight games, return to the borough this evening fresh from Saturday's 4-0 hammering of one of the pre-season title favourirtes Carshalton Athletic.

U's had a good win themsleves on Saturday, 2-1 away to another of the fancied sides Tonbridge Angels, so it promises to be a an exciting encounter. Kick-off is at 7.45.

Sutton United recorded a 2-1 victory today in their Ryman League Premier Division match at Tonbridge Angels thanks to a Sonny Cobbs header inside the last minute. Click here for the match report with a photo slideshow and here for Paul Doswell's reactions.

Back at Sutton goals from Williams, Mitchell. Beard and Harding secured a 4-1 win over 3rd place Northwood to strengthen U's position at the top of the Suburban League table. Click here for report

After securing their place in the 2^nd qualifying round of the FA Cup sponsored by E.ON, Sutton turn their attentions back to league action on Saturday with the first of a possible four games against sides in the top five of the table. After two successive defeats, U's will hope that Saturday's game at Tonbridge Angels (click here for travel details)will provide a repeat of last season's visit to the Longmead Stadium when they produced one of their best performances of the season to win 3-1. Like U's, Tonbridge were beaten semi-finalists in the playoffs last season, and having lost on the opening day of this season at home to Hornchurch they have remained unbeaten in six subsequent games.

On the squad front Justyn Roberts and Kenny Beaney have been loaned to Carshalton for three months, and Alan Bray is a major doubt for Sutton after twisting his ankle on Tuesday.  Karim El-Salahi (foot) and Alan Pouton (trapped nerve) are also unlikely to feature, but Billy Dunn has returned from his month's loan at Margate and goes in to the squad along with new signing Stefan Cox and fit again James Hawes. Bradley Woods-Garness is likely to continue his return to match fitness in the reserves' home game with Northwood.

The U's have released striker Laurent Hamici. The Paris-born forward joined the U's in the spring and met up with the Algerian national squad for pre-season training.  "Unfortunately it hasn't worked out here for Laurent," said Paul Doswell, "and we agreed it was best if he pursued his career elsewhere. I believe another club may be interested in him and we wish him well."  

This Friday evening, 18th September, the Boom Boom Club hosts the new Bad Influence CD launch, with special guests Roger Cotton on keys and on Saturday we have the return of the excellent Dire Fakes playing Dire Straits!

Go to http://feenstra.co.uk/boomboom/ for more details.

Former Uś and Academy product Banu Sanyang crowned a rare outing for Sotokoto with two goals to help the visitors to come from behind to beat neighbours Sutton at the ´Feele Ba´ and qualify with Lamin Lodge to the quarter-finals.

The one time Uś youth team and senior squad player – capped only four times before being released - raced into the Sutton area, in the 78th minute, before unleashing an unstoppable shot past keeper Kebba Manneh and then made a bee-line to the touchline to taunt the home team bench in what could be assumed he was reminding the technical management for doubting his potential and not keeping him long after making the senior squad.  

Sutton had taken the lead earlier through Ebrima Bah from a free-kick on the edge of the area, in the 17th minute, which the goalkeeper fumbled into his own net as the ball took a very sharp twist.

Banu levelled the score, one minute before the break, when the Sutton defense failed to deal with a long throw in by another former Uś - Bishop Mike - which loosely sailed over three Sutton players before a Sotokoto midfielder flicked the ball for Banu Sanyang to score from close range.

Both Abdou Jallow and Lamin Baz Badjie were presented with opportunities to level the tie towards the late end but all failed to put the ball into the net during a rip-roaring stoppage time.

The result only meant one thing and the writing was clearly on the wall, Sutton United who were one of the three favorites to win the league were knocked out by probably the weakest and most dis-organized little clubs in the ´Nawettan´ league. Ebrima and his team have kissed good bye to yet another season with the League Cup their only hope of silverware for this season... well at least technically with little or nothing coming out of the appeal-defeat against Lamin Lodge FC for fielding an ineligible player.

SUTTON UTD: Manneh, Jawla, Tamba, Chorr, Correa, Joof (A. Jallow), S. Jallow, P. Mendy (J. Mendy), Bah, Jarjou (Jammeh), E. Sanyang (Baz Badjie).

Sub not used: Sylva, Jatta, Ceesay.

Sutton begin a quest to repeat last year's run to the first round proper of the FA Cup, sponsored by E.ON, when they visit Margate tomorrow in the first qualifying round of this season's competition (click here for travel details). Sutton have already enjoyed a convincing win over the Kent side this season, winning 4-0 at Gander Green Lane on the first day of the Ryman League campaign, but since then Margate have considerably strengthened their squad and have picked up one point more than Sutton in the intervening period, and U's manager Paul Doswell says that the league result is irrelevant ''I wouldn't take too much notice of it. They've got a much changed side since then, including Paul Nicholls and Steve West who did well for us last season, and this week John Keister has come back from Dover, while we've been a bit in and out of late, so we're expecting a difficult game. We're looking forward to it, though, and are keen to replicate the run we had in the competition last season if we can''. Sutton will be without centre back Karim El-Salahi, who has an ankle injury, and Bradley Thomas and Justyn Roberts will both be in the squad. James Hawes is also still sidelined and Bradley Woods-Garness, who Paul is keen to see get some games under his belt, is likely to feature for the reserves at home to Uxbridge. One player definitely out is striker Billy Dunn, currently on loan at Margate from Sutton but suspended for tomorrow's game. Although his ban would be finished for any replay on Tuesday, he would be ineligible to play for Margate under the terms of the loan.

Sutton United have signed experienced midfielder Alan Pouton, the former Dover Athletic captain who featured in the Kent side's consecutive championship successes that saw them climb from Division One of the Ryman League to begin this season in Blue Square South. 32-year-old Pouton, who began this season with Maidstone United, previously made nearly 300 appearances in a Football League career with York, Grimsby and Gillingham. He goes in to the squad for tomorrow's home game against Boreham Wood as U's look to repeat the home form that has seen them record convincing wins over Margate and AFC Hornchurch, but the visitors will come to Gander Green Lane with the confidence of two successive league victories behind them, a 2-0 win at Ashford last Saturday followed by a victory by the same scoreline at home to Billericay on Monday with a goal in each game for Sosthene Yao, who Sutton supporters may remember playing a handful of pre-season games last summer. The Hertfordshire side's two previous away games had seen them go down to 2-1 defeats at Hornchurch and Margate. Last season Craig Dundas scored late in the game to earn U's a point after Boreham Wood had led through the spectacular own goal with which Kameron Abbassi marked his only appearance in Sutton colours. U's only injury problem concerns James Hawes, who took another knock on Monday on the ankle he injured during the pre-season campaign and is unlikely to be fit.

A hat trick from Daniel Harding helped Sutton make it five wins out of five in the Suburban League this season as they beat Tonbridge Angels 5-2. Other goals came from Harry Ottaway and Ebenezer Masade. Click here for report.