This was a day of firsts. It was the first time in Yeovil's history that
they had topped the league, it was also the first time this season that they
had conceded a goal at home and the first time they had not won at the Huish.
A more important first was Sutton's first away win and the first at the new
Huish).
It was impossible to judge whether Yeovil were worthy
table toppers , as a strong wind and , at times driving rain, made the playing
of good football almost impossible (although both teams undoubtably made
the effort) . Sutton adapted to the conditions better in the first half.
Playing into the wind ,Sutton looked the more dangerous and had , just about
,the best of the chances. Mark Watson harried and hustled the Yeovil
back line, holding the ball well and allowing Sammy Winston to run at the
defence. Yeovil seemed to be having problems with over hit passes and
didn't pose too many threats to Garath Howells in goal. Having said
that, it was Yeovil who had a header hit the post when it looked certain
to go in.
The best chance of the first half fell to Mark Watson.
Some fine work on the right hand side lead to the ball being passing to Sammy
Winston. A strong powerful run took him past the Yeovil defence and He squared
the ball to Watson. With just the keeper to beat He ballooned the shot
high and wide.
It looked like another case of Sutton not getting their
just rewards when the final act of the first half saw the ball fall to Steve
Stott by the 6 yard box. Garth Howells made a fine save but could only push
the ball up in the air. Matt HayField had the easiest of
headers.
The second half saw Sutton have the same problems as Yeovil did in
the first, but after 20 mins or so they weathered the storm and started to
take the game to the home side. Sutton got the equalizer through Mark
Watson. He will probably tell you it was a subtle flick pass the
keeper after the keeper had made a fine save from his first effort. Others
may say that Pennock made a good stop from his first shot, which then bounced
off Watson with just enough impetus to carry it over the line. On the 75th
minute Sutton took the lead. From a corner which diverted alarmingly (for
Yeovil anyway) Barry Laker rose up to head over.
From then on Sutton had to hold on, it looked like a
point was the best we could expect when Yeovil scored 5 mins later but to
every Sutton fans relief the referee ruled it out. From were I stood it was
impossible to see the reason why. It may have been offside or a foul on Howells.
The final whistle saw much celebrations from Sutton. A great result for the
Us and an exceptional team performance.
Howells, Brooker, Skelly , Berry , Mackie, Laker , Dack, Harlow, WAtson , Winston , Riley
subs Salako Ekoku , Hutchinson , Vines No subs used.