Chris Agutter said Sutton’s inability to capitalise on strong moments and their collapse after conceding were the most frustrating aspects of his side’s 2–1 defeat to Altrincham.
Jermaine Francis had given the U’s the lead in the first half, but two second half goals from Ollie Crankshaw saw the visitors turn the game around and leave with all three points, condemning Agutter’s men to defeat in their final home game of the 2025/26 campaign.
“It’s a really disappointing one,” he said. “The game was there for us to go two or three up. We started the second half well and got into some really good attacking positions, but we took too many touches and turned the ball over.”
“We were wasteful in the final third and didn’t make those moments count. Then they’ve got two goals out of nothing, really, and we’ve found a way to lose the game.”
“Worst case, we should be drawing that game, and even then we’d be disappointed. Today is another example of where we’re at as a group and what we need to improve moving forward.”
The Head Coach pointed to key defensive errors as the turning point in the match, and after falling behind, the game lost its rhythm, with little opportunity for a response.
“The free kick comes from a silly foul,” he said. “We haven’t tracked a runner properly, and then the wall turns its back and the ball goes through it.
“For the second goal, we try something ambitious that doesn’t come off, they break, and they score. Then in the box, we talk constantly about marking – space doesn’t score goals.
“It’s a message we’ve repeated time and time again, but we’ve not done it. Someone else has to come across and try to fix it, and they’re too late. It’s two really sloppy goals.”
“Once they went 2–1 up, the game became a non-event. There was no flow, the ball was out of play a lot, and we couldn’t build any momentum.”
“The only real positive was the supporters. They were absolutely magnificent, and that’s what we should be talking about. On the pitch, it just confirms what we already know.”
Explaining his selection decisions, including Chris Haigh and Dan Urpens making their first league starts for the club, the boss highlighted both necessity and merit, and at half-time, with his side leading, the message was to maintain their approach.
“Jermaine Francis was excellent and took his goal really well. It was probably the hardest chance he had, and he finished it brilliantly. I’m really pleased for him.”
“Charlie Bell also put in a solid performance, and Chris Haigh, on his first league start, was outstanding. He led well, handled everything, and his distribution was excellent.”
“Jack Sims is out injured again with a back problem, so that made the goalkeeper decision straightforward. Chris has been excellent in training and deserved his chance.”
“The other changes were about players performing well and pushing for selection. Junior [Eccleston] came back into his preferred position, and it was an opportunity to see those players.”
“We were doing a lot of things right. They were sitting off in a half-press, and we were exploiting that with forward runs and good passes.”
“We were aggressive, winning second balls, and the goal came from pressing well. In the second half, we wanted more switches of play, more runs in wide areas, and to stay compact defensively.”
“We actually started the half well, but we were incredibly wasteful in key moments. At this level, teams are clinical, and we weren’t.”
Looking ahead to the final game of the season away at Boreham Wood, Agutter made it clear that changes are coming. He also acknowledged the backing from the stands despite a difficult campaign.
“For me now, it’s about the supporters,” he said. “I’ll be honest, it’s going to be ruthless. This group won’t be the same one we take into pre-season.”
“The players know that. We’ve done well to move away from the bottom and secure our place, and that’s a big achievement in itself.”
“But there’s a lot that needs to change. Now it’s about finishing the season with pride and giving the fans something to cheer about.”
“The supporters were unbelievable again today. The atmosphere and energy were brilliant, and we really appreciate it.”
“I told the players they didn’t deserve that reception. The fans haven’t had enough to celebrate this season.”
“But there are brighter days ahead. We’ll make the changes needed, and we’ll build a strong team. I want the football to do the talking, and right now it isn’t – but that will change.”
