Match Report: Spalding United FC 4 - 0 SCTFC

After a bad run of two losses on the bounce at home, Sutton travelled to Lincolnshire to take on table toppers Spalding who are looking for automatic promotion this season. The Royals knew it was going to be a tough ask, but with a 2-2 draw at home earlier in the season, there was hope of getting something from the game.

Stuart’s starting eleven was as follows: Brown, Christophorou, Carter-Byrne, Lima, Beresford, Doyle, Burgess, Hurley, McSkeane, Dowd and Edmunds.

It was a very slow start for Sutton with the hosts having plenty of the ball. Sutton tried to mount attacks but the Spalding defence were equal to everything.

On 12 minutes, Spalding broke through the defence when a clever free kick put Winters in on edge of the penalty area. He ran through the defence and fired under Brown at the near post to put Spalding 1-0 up.

Sutton tried to get back in the game as Edmunds tried a shot central to the goal after some good exchanges with McSkeane, but Spalding defended well to protect the keeper with an excellent block.

Brown made a great save towards the end of the half after a header from a corner.

Early in the second half and Brown made a great save at the near post from Hilliard after beating the defender for pace.

Sherif fired towards the bottom left, but again Brown got down well to keep Sutton in the game.

On 73 minutes Dowd and Burgess were replaced by Byrne and Gibson.

A long goal kick was met by O’Sullivan who turned the defender and fired past Brown to put Spalding 2-0 in front on 75 mins.

McSkeane made a good run across goal, beating two defenders before firing a weak shot wide of the far post.

The third came in a matter of minutes, as a through ball, again to O’Sullivan, had him through on goal. He rounded Brown and fired home to put the game well out of reach for The Royals. 3-0 Spalding.

On 85 minutes Edmunds was replaced by Phillips.

Byrne tried his luck at a tight angle, but his effort curled wide of the far post.

Phillips battled his way through the Spalding defence to fire across goal. Gibson through himself at the ball, but the pace beat him and he ended up in the net himself!

A mix up between Lima and Brown on 88 minutes let Bennett run in and take the ball. He shot into an empty net to round off the perfect day for Spalding. 4-0 Spalding.

It was a game Sutton never looked like winning, and the gulf between the 2 sides was clear and evident.

They battled well, but when the keeper does not have to make a save in the whole game, it shows where the problem lies.

Spalding were clinical, and on another day, they could have lost by more. There was a slight spark of hope when the substitutes were made, giving us with more energy up front, but again not clinical enough.

It does not get any easier as next week we face Harborough Town who chasing the automatic spot!

#COYR