Match Report - SCTFC 7 - 1 Gresley Rovers FC

After a fantastic victory against top of the table Harborough last weekend, it was time for Sutton to turn their attentions to relegation fighters Gresley Rovers in the hope of extending their unbeaten run to 10 games.

Stewart’s team selection was as follows: Brown, Christophorou, Carter-Bryne, Lima, Beresford, Doyle, Byrne, Collins, McSkeane, Hilton and Edmunds.

Sutton, as expected, took the game to Gresley. Byrne dribbled his way down the wing to the bi-line before eventually cutting the ball back across goal where Hilton was available to fire into the corner of the net. 1-0 Sutton.

Bryne was full of running and was soon beating the defence again. This time firing an effort at goal himself which the keeper did well to save, however he could only clear to Collins who was ready to fire. Sutton 2-0 in front after only 14 minutes.

Hilton, on the other wing, beat the defence before firing low into the corner. This time he managed to keep hold of it to deny him the second of the game.

With 22 minutes gone, a lofted ball over the defence was met by Lee who ran onto the ball and fired past Brown. 2-1 Sutton. This was against the run of play and disappointing after all the early work put in by The Royals.

Gresley, now lifted, saw another effort tipped over the bar by Brown from long range.

Hilton set up Skeano with an effort which unfortunately saw it go just wide of the far post. Sutton were still pressing even after the disappointment of conceding a sloppy goal.

On 37 minutes disaster for Gresley, as again, the keeper fumbled a shot, only for Carter-Byrne to pounce and fire home to restore Sutton’s two goal cushion. 3-1 Sutton.

Hilton was again instrumental in putting Sutton on the attack. This time he set up Doyle for a shot central to the goal, but his effort was blocked.

Edmunds tried his luck with a free kick just before half time, but his effort was saved well.

Sutton finished the first half 3-1 to the good with the team playing well on the front foot.

The second half started and Sutton came straight out on the attack. A glorious cross field pass by Byrne was picked up by Hilton who weaved in between the Gresley defence before firing low towards the corner. The keeper gathered at the second attempt.

Skeano was put through on goal but as he tried to dribble past the keeper, he was brought down while going across goal. Luckily, the ball rolled out to Collins who was on hand to fire into the open net. 4-1 Sutton.

76 minutes in and Sutton were playing constantly in the Gresley half. Beating the offside trap was Lima of all people, who came out of nowhere to round the keeper and slot beyond the keeper to make it five! A nice goal celebration followed to cap it off. 5-1 Sutton.

It seemed like the whole team was looking to get on the score sheet. Edmunds picked up the ball in area, before drilling a low hard shot into the net to make it six. 6-1 Sutton.

Kyle Byrne was substituted for Cameren Philips on 78 minutes, and on 81 minutes McSkeane went off to be replaced by Antonio.

The crowd were chanting, we want seven! Philips, who had been on the pitch for five minutes, duly obliged as he picked up a loose ball and with his back to goal, turned and fired beyond the Gresley keeper. 7-1 Sutton.

83 minutes in and Christophorou was replaced by Birch.

Sutton saw the game out to win by six goals! It was well deserved for a top clinical performance against a side that desperately needed the points. The lads put in a shift and without their main striker Tague, proved they could score from all areas of the pitch.

It’s 10 games unbeaten which is an incredible run well done lads.

#COYR