The game sees the return of two sides to the National League after periods away. Tamworth were last in the competition in the 2013-14 season, being relegated at the end of that campaign to the National League North and four years later dropping down to the Southern League. The appointment in 2022 of Andy Peaks after a successful time in charge at AFC Rushden & Diamonds saw the club begin the climb back to the fifth tier, and after winning the Southern League Premier Division Central title in 2022 on goal difference from Coalville Town, they went straight through National League North last season, finishing eight points clear of runners-up Scunthorpe.
U’s fans may be familiar with one of Tamworth’s close season signings, Haydn Hollis, who played against U’s for Chesterfield before joining Dorking Wanderers, from where he moved to Tamworth in the summer. Kennedy Digie has been signed from Alfreton, while attacking midfielder Kyle Finn will hope to take his form of last season in to the higher level. Up front Chris Wreh, who had a loan spell at Tamworth last season, has returned on a permanent basis while Dan Creaney scored 40 goals in the Southern League success two seasons ago.
Sutton have returned from the other direction, a three year stay in the EFL ending at the end of last season, but U’s go in to the new campaign with optimism after a largely successful pre-season campaign, winning five of the seven games played. Head Coach Steve Morison and assistant Anthony Fenton signed new deals this week having rebuilt the squad over the summer, with Tyler French appointed captain this week. A fully fit squad is reported, although goalkeeper Matt Kerbey has been loaned to Dartford this week.
Saturday’s referee is Abigail Byrne, a FIFA listed referee who has been a WSL referee since 2016 and has twice taken charge of the Women’s FA Cup Final, including last season’s game between Manchester United and Tottenham. Her last involvement in a Sutton game was as reserve official for the visit of Forest Green in September.
