Ryman Football League Premier Division.

Saturday 19^th September 1998.

Sutton stormed to the top of the league with this win over previous table toppers Aldershot Town in front of 2,796 people, the largest Ryman crowd so far this season. Sutton welcomed Andy Riley back into the starting line up but Danny Brooker was still unfit so Gwynne Berry deputised at right back with Barry Laker retaining his place in the starting line up. Mark Watson who was extremely doubtful on Thursday played and within five minutes he had made his presence felt. Steve Watson played a good pass to Nassim Akrour on the left and Watson met his inch perfect cross at the far post to put Sutton in front.

The home side were still groggy two minutes later when Watson again struck a right foot shot which Gary Phillips couldn't hold and from the resulting corner Steve Watson hit a volley from the edge of the box which hit the inside of the post and rebounded straight into the grateful goalkeepers arms.

Sutton were well on top at this stage but not putting away their chances and after nine minutes Aldershot equalised with their first chance of the game. A ball crossed in from the left deceived Gareth Howells who was stranded as Jimmy Sugrue headed the ball back into the six yard box for Gary Abbott to volley in from close in.

Gareth Howells did make one good stop from Joe Nartey but in the main the chances were all falling Sutton's way. Akrour only just failed to keep down a half volley from an Ekoku header and then he should of scored when the ball dropped at his feet three yards out but Gary Phillips managed to get out and smother the opportunity. Andy Salako was causing all manner of problems on the right hand side and it was his deep cross that led to Sutton going back in front, Nko Ekoku meeting his cross at the far post, brilliantly bringing the ball down before calmly slotting the ball past Philips for his third goal in a week.

Sutton's movement and pace up front caused George Borg to make a tactical swap four minutes before half time, bringing on the experienced Colin Fielder to plug the holes at the back and taking off Jimmy Sugrue. Sutton ended a pulsating half as they had begun it on top.

Sutton sat back more in the second half inviting Aldershot forward but apart from a good opportunity that fell to Gary Abbott inside the six yard box midway through the half the home side were restricted to long range shooting and rarely troubled Gareth Howells. Andy Riley's return in defence made a big difference and David Harlow and Steve Watson covered every blade of grass in midfield, Watson in particular totally overshadowing ex Sutton favourite Jimmy Dack who had a quiet game.

Barry Blackman came on for Mark Watson with 15 minutes to go and Roy Young replaced Mark Harper for the "Shots" but it was Sutton who finished the strongest Blackman and Ekoku using the channels well to use up time much to the annoyance of the home crowd. There was one last chance that fell to Lee Endersby as he cleverly cut between Gwynne Berry and Andy Salako but he put his shot across the face of the goal from a tight angle.

The Sutton line up was: -

Gareth Howells, Barry Laker, Andy Riley, Gwynne Berry, Richard Skelly, Steve Watson, David Harlow, Andy Salako, Nassim Akrour, Mark Watson (Blackman) and Nko Ekoku.

John Ugbah and Danny Brooker were the unused Subs.

The Aldershot side was: -

Gary Phillips, Garry Smart, Jason Chewins, Simon Stapleton, Terry Howard, Mark Harper (Young) , Jimmy Sugrue, (Fielder) Jimmy Dack, Gary Abbott, Joe Nartey and Lee Endersby.

Neil Champion was the unused sub.

Sutton now travel to Boreham Wood on Tuesday to play the Homeless Bishop Stortford side kick off 7.45pm

Sutton lead the table on goal difference from Billericay whose 2-0 victory over Carshalton Athletic condemned them to the bottom spot. Bromley who were second lost to two second half goals at Dulwich. Harrow Borough moved off the bottom with a surprise 2-1 home victory over Dagenham & Redbridge.

Sutton have been drawn away to the winners of the tie between St Leonard's and Erith Town in the FA Cup. Ties to be played on Saturday 3^rd October.