Sutton and Harrogate will be vying with some of the world’s leading female cyclists for sporting supremacy in the Yorkshire town tomorrow as U’s travel to the CNG Stadium while the Women’s Elite Road Cycling race takes place in other areas of the town.
After a convincing win against Chesterfield last Saturday, U’s were above Harrogate in the table, but a defeat against Dagenham, allied to Harrogate’s single goal win at Halifax, their first in four games, sees U’s hosts go in to tomorrow’s game in 12th place, seven places above U’s but with only one more point – indeed such is the congested nature of the league that only three points separate Sutton from 9th placed Maidenhead.
Harrogate had a fine first season at this level last season having won promotion from the National League North, finishing in the play-offs but losing at Fylde in the elimination match at Mill Farm. They have found it harder to recapture that form this term, beating Stockport and Chorley at the CNG Stadium but losing to Dover and Notts County. Games against Boreham Wood and Solihull finished level. Among their summer signings was experienced former Football League striker Jon Stead, who finished last season with Notts County.
Last season U’s provided the opposition for Harrogate’s debut in the National League, taking the lead through Charlie Clough (above) but then reliant on a late Jamie Collins penalty for a point after Harrogate had turned the game round to lead 2-1.
Sutton manager Matt Gray was hopeful that Dale Bennett may be fit to return from injury, but Omar Bugiel missed Tuesday through a groin strain and is doubtful.
Tickets are on sale at a £2 discount until midnight on Friday, and commentary on the game will be on SUFCtv’s Mixlr page from 3pm.
