MATCH REPORT: Sutton move up to 3rd

Sutton Bonington FC are now just outside the automatic promotion places on goal difference after fighting back from a goal down to win 3-1.

With three games to go, both sides knew this 3rd v 4th clash could be crucial in deciding the outcome of each teams’ seasons. Having lost 3-1 in a tight affair earlier in the season, the Sutton squad knew they needed to be at 100%.

Halford-Harding started in goal due to the season ending injury to captain Benson and the outstanding Horvath being away on holiday. The back four was made up of Martin at right back, Orton and Shaw in the middle and Smith at left back. The two holders in front of them were Lawrence and England. The front four, with a combined goal/assist record this season of 98 was Crosland in the number 10, Dann on the left and Kendall on the right supporting Henson up front.

The game started nervously with the bobble on the pitch making it difficult for either side to get the ball down to pass it around. Few chances came either way. On the 25th minute, Smith brought his man down just outside the area and received the games first yellow card. The resulting free kick hit well over the bar by Atletico.

Half time came with the score still at 0-0. Very little between the sides and not much action to report. Sutton were showing real determination in the 50/50s but were struggling to create anything clear cut.

Atletico came out second half and started quickly. Within ten minutes they took the lead with a neat passing move and tidy finish past Halford-Harding. This seemed to spark the boys into life. Knowing that without three points from the game, their season could be left with nothing to play for.

On 66 minutes, Crosland found some space on the edge of the box and fired at the Atletico keeper. He got down well and saved but only pushed it out to the feet of Dann who tapped the ball home for the equaliser. 1-1.

Five minutes later, again, good play from Crosland, who found Henson in the box. A tidy turn past the defender and a powerful finish left the keeper with no hope. His 32nd goal of the season. 2-1.

Into added time, substitute Brown added a third to seal the three points with a great volley inside the penalty area. Full time, 3-1 to Sutton.

The result moved Sutton above Atletico into third and level on points with Lutterworth in second. Both sides have the chance on Wednesday evening to pull ahead with Sutton not back in action until Saturday. Two games to go, two big wins needed!