Frustrating Night For Sutton In Essex

There was a horrible sense of déjà vu for the travelling Sutton supporters at Braintree on Tuesday as a dominating performance away from home was not turned into a positive result.

With United fielding a much changed line up, resting players on the verge of suspension, the game took a rather scrappy side with neither side particularly better than the other. Braintree threatened on a couple of occasions with set pieces but the first real chance of the game fell to Maxime Biamou, who will be disappointed he couldn’t get his header from Monakana’s cross on target from just over 6 yards out. Dan Fitchett came close to giving the U’s the lead in a similar scenario, a cross from the left wing by Monakana headed just off target. Despite positive signs for Sutton it was the hosts who took the lead after a good goal by Michael Cheek. A low cross was played into the box with the prolific striker able to get a shot off right into the bottom right corner – an excellent finish. Disappointed but not deflated Sutton continued to push but couldn’t quite take advantage of a goalmouth scramble just before the break, the ball eventually being hammered downfield by an orange shirt.

The second half saw Braintree understandably happy to sit back and defend their lead, though several players in white shirts will feel they ought to have at least restored parity at some point in the evening. The first decent chance fell to Deacon who turned well in the box but saw his effort saved by the excellent Beasant. The Iron keeper was on hand minutes later to deny Fitchett in a one-on-one situation, getting down at the feet of the U’s striker to deny him an equaliser. The main threat for Sutton was Biamou so it was a shame when he was substituted though an understandable move with the striker seemingly exhausted after his superb efforts on a heavy pitch. It was one of United’s substitutes, Craig McAllister, who had the best chance to equalise in the second half when he found himself through on goal. Unfortunately the Braintree keeper was able to make the save at the near post when McAllister will feel he really ought to have scored. There was one more moment of frustration for the away players and fans as an effort from Matt Tubbs right at the death bounced off the inside of the post and into Beasant’s grateful arms, giving Braintree only their 3rd home win of the season.

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