Kai Jennings reflected on a superb performance as his side secured a 2–0 win over FC Halifax Town, praising both the control shown in the first half and the resilience demonstrated after the break.

The on-loan AFC Wimbledon midfielder was voted Man of the Match by match sponsors Insite Graphics, having played a key role in Sutton’s dominant display throughout, having a crucial impact on both the U’s attacking play and rigidness at the back, which led to their first clean sheet since the 0-0 draw with Braintree Town – Chris Agutter’s first game in charge.

“I think, especially first half, we were very dominant” he said. “We kept the ball well, played in the right areas, and we were patient.”

“I think that was the main thing. We kept switching to play, waiting for gaps to appear. We knew they were going to tie up because it’s hard to keep just doing doggies across the pitch.”

“We waited, we waited, and then when we went forward, I think we went forward with great pace and just intensity, and it rewarded us.”

While Halifax grew into the game in the second half, Jennings said he was pleased with how the team coped under pressure, marking a real stride by seeing out a relatively comfortable deficit after a handful of games when momentum certainly swung back and forth, crediting the work done behind the scenes.

“Second half, obviously, they’re going to come out as a reaction, but I think we dealt with that well, which is something I’ve seen improve since I’ve come in.”

“Especially because we were 2–0 up against Wealdstone when I was on my first game; we were 2–0 up same thing playing well, and they put a bit of pressure on us and we sort of crumbled. But I think today we stood strong.”

“I think that’s credit to the lads in training, always working hard. And I think, yeah, it’s a good result at the end of the day, isn’t it?”

Securing a first clean sheet since the start of October also meant a great deal, not only for what it represented on the day but for what it signals about the team’s development since his arrival, stressing that defensive solidity is the missing piece that turns strong performances into reliable results.

“I think that’s the biggest thing. We know we’re going to score goals. We’ve scored goals, I think, every game I’ve been here, I don’t know about before me, but I’m assuming it was much of the same.”

“The clean sheet is the thing you want because that wins you games. We know we’re going to score, so if we can keep a clean sheet, we’ll win a game, 100%.”

He also provided a superb assist for the second goal  when Lewis Simper teed him up to race towards goal where he showed a lovely bit of skill to evade Cody Johnson, before brilliantly chipping the ball over the Halifax defence and into the path of Brandon Njoku, who took one touch before volleying beyond Sam Johnson to add a second contribution after his debut goal against Wealdstone.

“Simps played a lovely, I think, back heel to me, I was going to shoot and the angle closed.”

“I tried to chop, again, trying to work something and then, I see Beej [Brandon Njoku] in the box and I just; a little dink and he did well. He’s a striker, he’s going to score them, so that was good to help him do that.”

Crucially, the win lifted the team out of the relegation zone for the first time this season, a milestone Jennings believes reflects the impact of manager Chris Agutter, who, along with his teammates, has made him feel settled and supported throughout his time at Gander Green Lane so far.

“I think we know we’re not a relegation side, I think, especially when I came in my first game, I’m looking around thinking, how are these boys where we were?”

“I think we’re gelling more and more each game, getting better and better, the performances are getting better, I think now that we’re out, we just got to look forward, don’t look behind us and just keep cracking on.”

“I’ve loved it, I’ve loved every minute of it [his time at Sutton so far], the lads, the gaffer, staff; everyone around the building have made me feel welcome.”

“I’m happy to keep playing and trying to help the team, but the way we play, everything suits me, I think, so, yeah, I’m really enjoying it.”

Photo Credit: Paul Loughlin