For the second week running Sutton bounced back from a disappointing EFL Youth Alliance result at the weekend with a comprehensive victory in the National League Academy South Division, a spell of three goals in twelve minutes early in the second half easing U’s to success after Rashaad Drysdale’s early goal had given them the lead.

Drysdale struck in the 13th minute, breaking through on the left of the penalty area and firing in a shot that slithered under the home goalkeeper, who tried unsuccessfully to scramble the ball back before it crossed the line. There were few other chances for either side in the first half, with Maidstone having two free kicks on the edge of the penalty area but unable to take advantage of either, and a header from a left wing cross going over the bar, while at the other end Drysdale saw another shot scrambled wide by the keeper.

The start of the second half saw U’s take control, as within five minutes of the restart they scored the best of the four goals, left back Adam Reeves turning up on the right wing to collect Bobby Sheargold’s pass over the top and send in a fine low cross that was neatly converted first time by Jayden Obarotimi. Seven minutes later Drysdale’s low cross was cleared in the six yard box but only as far as Jayden Keteku, who hammered it back in to the net from twelve yards out, and soon afterwards Tolani Bello was brought down as he cut in to the penalty area from the right, and picked himself up to convert the penalty.

The final scoreline was harsh on Maidstone, who forced Klevis Muca in to action on several occasions in the second half, the best save coming close to the end when a home striker went clear on the right, but it was still a good win for U’s, who now lie seven points behind leaders Southend with two games in hand and both games still to play against the Essex side, who U’s meet next Wednesday at Southend but in the quarter finals of the League Cup.

Sutton: K Muca, C Lee(sub T Salaam 58), A Reeves, J Coombes, D Urpens, R Ruiz(sub N Nzuzi 58), R Drysdale, J Keteku(sub L Ashburn 71), J Obarotimi, B Sheargold, O Bello(sub G Katana 80). Sub n/u K McKenzie.

The Division F side drew 0-0 against Boreham Wood, playing the last fifteen minutes with ten men after Taylor Boon had been sent off – further details to follow.

This Saturday it’s back to EFL action away to South East divisional leaders AFC Wimbledon, kick off 10.30am at the KCL Sports Ground in New Malden.