Lewis Simper hailed his team’s resilience and attacking quality after they overturned an early deficit to beat Gateshead 4–2, with the midfielder once again finding the net in spectacular fashion.
After initially going behind to a Kian Pennant goal, Sutton fought back through Jayden Harris’ leveller, before Simper struck another an outstanding effort to add to his personal collection, with further goals from Harris and Jack Taylor going on to seal an unbeaten November for Chris Agutter’s side, as well as making it a third win on the spin.
The result continued the side’s impressive goalscoring run under Agutter and further cemented Simper’s status as a key figure in the squad’s recent upturn in form, with his equaliser – a thunderous strike from distance – coming at a crucial moment and swung momentum firmly in his side’s favour.
“It was a slow start, we went 1-0 down, but I thought the boys showed great character second half and our quality shone through and yeah, great three points.”
“I remember it going out to Junior [Eccleston] and there was one thing was on my mind when it got cut back to me, get off an early shot, so as soon as it left my foot I thought I had a chance and yeah, luckily it went in the back of the net.”
With the team trailing at the break, the dressing room message remained calm and focused, with Simper revealing that the coaching staff stressed belief and consistency rather than drastic change.
“They just said, a slow start, but just keep doing what we know we’re good at and we will score goals, we always score goals, so just stay at it.”
“The last, like, 30 minutes of the first half was much better, so just carry that on into the second half.”
The midfielder also believes he has flourished under Agutter’s system, which has pushed him into more advanced areas and allowed his natural attacking instincts to shine, and Simper spoke highly of the freedom and encouragement he has been given.
He has not only improved his output but also boosted his confidence, and the 23-year old said he now relishes the responsibility of contributing regularly in the final third.
“I’ve really enjoyed it. Playing slightly further forward, managing to chip in with more goals and assists, so yeah, just really enjoying my football at the moment. Long may it continue.”
“It’s something that I felt like I could always do, score goals, help the team in that way. So yeah, hopefully I just carry on chipping in and hopefully we keep on winning.”
“I just don’t want to stop there [at ten goals]. I need to keep on scoring, keep on working hard for the team and Yeah, as I say, hopefully we just keep on winning games.”
The home support also played a major role in powering the team through the comeback, with the atmosphere continuing to grow as momentum built, and Simper also touched on the importance of the fanbase singing his name.
“It’s been really good here. Since we started winning games, the atmosphere has been really good. So hopefully we just carry on.”
Photo Credit: Paul Loughlin
