Jake Taylor reflected on how crucial the 3-2 victory over Truro City felt for the squad, describing it as a defining moment in their early-season journey.
In difficult conditions, the team showed resilience and the ability to respond under pressure, with a brace from Kai Jennings sealing a dramatic win.
“It was a really important win. It’s a tough place to come, I think, against a team who’s desperate for points.”
“Our away form hasn’t been great, so it was great to get our first away win of the season as well.”
“I thought we were really good in spells, could have probably scored a couple more, then showed really good character when it went back to 2-2 to have a bit of quality from Kai [Jennings]; a couple of bits of quality from Kai, he’s a fantastic player and it’s a really important win for us.”
His words captured the sense of relief shared within the group, who had been striving to improve their away performances. The acknowledgement of the team’s character, especially when pegged back to 2-2, highlighted the growing belief in their ability to react and overcome adversity.
The confidence gained from this breakthrough result, according to Taylor, could prove invaluable as they look to build momentum during a crucial stretch of fixtures.
“I think since I’ve come in, the results have been really positive, the group’s in a really good place, lots of young boys working really hard to improve and we’re seeing improvements for sure.”
“It’s important to not think this is enough, to keep working hard and keep picking points up because there’s some really, really good players in there and it’s about trying to show as many moments as possible, which we have done recently.”
The midfielder stressed the importance of staying grounded, emphasising that continued hard work will be needed if they are to climb further up the table. His comments reflected both ambition and the realism necessary for sustained success.
A pivotal moment arrived just before the interval, when Jayden Harris struck on the stroke of half time to give Sutton a deserved lead; the timing of the goal provided a much-needed lift and shifted the dynamic heading into the second half.
“It was a really good time to score. Like I said, we created a few good opportunities but didn’t quite break through in the first half, but just going 1-0 up in the first half was important and I thought we came out and we started the second half really well as well to manage to go 2-0 up.”
“Disappointing to go 2-2 but like I said it shows there’s really good belief and character in the squad to keep going knowing that we’re going to keep scoring goals and thankfully Kai came up with, like I said, a little bit of magic.”
The frustration of losing a two-goal advantage was clear, yet the response – capped by a match-winning contribution from Jennings – illustrated a growing maturity within the side after a performance built not solely on technical quality, but on fight, determination, and trust.
Since joining the club from Eastleigh, Taylor has quickly become integrated into the squad, and touched on his enjoyment and comfort within the group being evident both on and off the pitch, with strong relationships forming in a short period of time.
“I’ve loved it. The boys have been brilliant so far since I’ve come in.”
“Obviously, the results have been really positive as well, which helps, but, yeah, I’ve settled in really well. I’ve really enjoyed my football. I’m learning a lot from the gaffer and the staff here. So, yeah, like I said, I’m really enjoying it so far.”
His enthusiasm for his new environment suggests he has already become an important figure, contributing both in terms of performance and mentality, and he also spoke highly of his midfield colleagues, praising their composure, creativity, and willingness to take responsibility in key moments.
Playing alongside such players, he said, has elevated his own game.
“Kai’s fantastic, he’s a joy to play with. So is Jayden [Harris] and Simps [Lewis Simper], they always want the ball in tight situations. They can produce a little bit of magic and it’s about trying to get the best out of everyone.”
“It’s really enjoyable playing with some really good footballers”
The travelling supporters also played their part, something Taylor highlighted, with their presence behind the goal driving the players to push for a late winner – one they eventually found.
“It’s a long way to come down. We really appreciate all their support; since I’ve come in, they’ve been brilliant as well.”
“Having them behind the goal we were attacking into really helped and it’s nice for them to go back celebrating a victory.”
Photo Credit: Paul Loughlin
