A Sutton United Front: Sutton Face a Tough Test at Dartford
- Johnnie Lowery
- Oct 31, 2016
- 2 min read
FA Cup matches often have that extra edge to them, and the opportunity to get through to the 3rd Round and face a Premier League side will be in the back of many players’ minds on Saturday.
Long before thinking about that though, Sutton United must deal with a difficult challenge in the form of a visit to in-form National League South side Dartford in the 1st round this Saturday.
The Kent side have won their last 7 games (excluding the County Cup) and have not lost at home all season.
By contrast United are without a win away from home since the 13th August.
However most of these unsuccessful away trips have been particularly long journeys and a shorter trip of just 36 miles from ground to ground may be easier to cope with.
If the game is anything like the meeting between the two sides at Princes Park last season the neutrals are in for a treat.
The U’s came from behind twice to snatch a point, the second equaliser coming around 5 minutes from time.
The man who scored both goals for Dartford that game, Tom Bradbrook, has since quit football to concentrate on his job as an insurance broker, but the Darts still have plenty of attacking threats.
Perhaps the key man for them will be Luke Wanadio, who attracted interest from several League One clubs during his spell with Ryman Premier Division side Staines Town last season.
United will have to go without Bedsente Gomis and Dean Beckwith, both suspended, as well as Craig McAllister, Shaun Cooper, and Craig Dundas – all of whom are cup tied.
Whilst Beckwith has been a key player this season manager Paul Doswell, speaking after the York City game, was confident his absence would not prove too much of a problem:
“Simon (Downer) is going to be back, no problem there, Nicky Bailey is a nailed-on centre half so we’ll have a look at it during the week but we’ve got a fairly fit squad”
“I love the FA Cup; I think it’s going to be a brilliant game down at Dartford. I believe there will be over 2000 people there, we’re taking 2 coaches plus the normal travellers so it’s going to be one of those special days”
“It’s a different scenario next week – a bit more nerves for me anyway and for Bruce I’d have thought, but I’m really really looking forward to it”