Sutton made it two wins out of two in the National League Under 19 Alliance South Division and moved to the top of the embryonic league table on goal difference, coming from behind to beat Aldershot at Sandhurst Town FC. Despite conceding a goal against the run of play early on, U’s fought back to equalise almost immediately and added two more before half time to take a lead that proved decisive.
After opening strongly, U’s went behind when goalkeeper Kian Eyers, under pressure from a forward who had been flagged offside only for the referee to play on as the ball went through to Eyers, misdirected a clearance that was picked up by an Aldershot player on the right, and when U’s failed to clear the resulting cross there was an easy chance at the far post which was converted.
Within two minutes Sutton had levelled as Luke Ashburn headed home a corner, and U’s went on to dominate the half, let down by some wayward finishing. However midway through the half a fine run from Rashaad Drysdale ended with him laying a pass back to Ronny Ruiz, whose first time cross was met by George Vorster with a stooping header that went in off the post. With just under ten minutes to go to half time Charlie Bell added a third with a well struck low shot after a corner had been cleared to him on the edge of the area, and although U’s could feel they should have led by more they went in to the break in a commanding position.
The second half saw Sutton continue to have the better of things although they couldn’t extend their lead, Salaam seeing one header blocked, and Aldershot might have set up a nervous finish with two free kicks both of which were well dealt with by Eyers. Sutton finished strongly, though, and Drysdale was denied a stunning solo goal when his shot came back off the underside of the bar after a run that had taken him past four defenders, while substitute Jayden Oberotimi also struck the bar from the edge of the penalty area.
The next National League game is away to Dorking Wanderers next Wednesday, but before that U’s youngsters head west to face Bristol Rovers on Saturday at The Quarters Training Centre, Almondsbury, kick off 11.30.
Sutton: K Eyers, R Drysdale, L Ashburn, C Bell, D Urpens, T Salaam, R Ruiz, J Keteku(sub J Oberotimi 63), M Halim (sub B Sheargold 75, G Vorster(sub O Bello 63), A Reeves. Sub n/u T Boon.
