MATCH REPORT - SCTFC 1 - 0 GRESLEY ROVERS FC

Sutton took on Gresley Rovers at Coles Lane in this bottom of the table clash. The win would give either side the chance to move away from the bottom relegation places.

Sutton were looking for their first win at home since 19th November, which was against Hinckley LRFC.

Stringer’s team was changed from last time out with new signing Ryan Edmunds making his return to the squad. Full squad was Brown, Sawyer, Armitage, Mills, Beresford, Zito, Ceesay, Collins, Jagroop, Hilton and Edmunds.

The game started slowly with neither side making any clear-cut chances. Hilton found himself in a good position after a through ball from Collins, but despite his good effort to get a shot away the Gresley defence blocked the shot.

From the corner Zito rose well to head towards goal, but his effort went over the crossbar.

On the half hour mark, Jagroop latched onto a ball from Armitage and finished well, only to find the effort was ruled out for offside.

Edmunds set up Ceesay with an effort which curled just over the crossbar, a shot which is a trademark of his and usually gets results.

Just before half time Brown pulled of a fantastic save to keep Sutton in the game. He made a diving save to his left which was destined to go in!

It was a difficult half for Sutton to break the Gresley defence down, but they had the better chances and looked the more likely to score.

Sutton started the second half with a substitution bringing on Bertie for Jagroop.

Suttons first chance of the second half came through some good work by Hilton. He set up Sawyer with an effort, but it was saved well by Fenney.

An Edmunds pass to Cessay allowed him to get a shot towards goal, again it was over the bar, but this time got closer.

Bertie had a couple of chances with one on ones with the keeper but both times his efforts were smothered by Fenney.

Gresley put Sutton under some pressure and nearly took the lead but for Browns stunning save from Mundays header.

Stringer brought on another new signing, Reid to replace Edmunds.

Good pressure from Sutton saw the ball fall to Cessay and third time lucky, his curling effort flew into the top left -hand corner leaving Fenney no chance. 1-0 Sutton (75mins).

Sutton were in good form now and Hilton tried his luck weaving through the Gresley defence before unleashing an effort towards the bottom corner. Unfortunately, Fenney managed to get a hand to it and divert a certain goal.

This proved to be the last effort of the game which meant the it finished with Sutton the victors. It was a very even game which could have gone either way on the day, but Sutton had that bit more going forward.

Sutton are by no means safe, but this result makes things a little more comfortable going forward.

Next up is Bedworth away on Tuesday night.

#COYR #ROYALS