Sutton In Cup Battle For Leeds Reunion
- Mark Bravery
- Jan 16, 2017
- 2 min read
This Tuesday evening Sutton United make the short journey to Kingsmeadow, home of AFC Wimbledon, knowing that the winners of this FA Cup replay will host Championship side Leeds United in the fourth round.
With the match against Leeds set to be broadcast live by BT Sport on Sunday 29 January, Tuesday's winners stand to receive a budget-swelling £144,500 in TV fees.
Back in 1970 Sutton lost 6-0 to the then mighty Leeds in a fourth round tie that saw a record 14,000 fans pack into Gander Green Lane. But Leeds also have fourth round history with the original Wimbledon FC who, as a Southern League club, drew 0-0 at Elland Road in 1975 before losing the replay 1-0 at Selhurst Park.
Sutton had the better of the goalless draw with AFC Wimbledon when the two sides met at the Lane on 7 January, but most observers would expect home advantage and League status to favour the Dons in the rematch. Sutton have only won twice away all season, one of those victories being the 6-3 romp at Dartford in the Cup's first round.
Sutton will check on the fitness of full back Kevin Amankwaah and striker Matt Tubbs, who both missed Saturday's draw at Worthing in the FA Trophy. Forwards Craig McAllister and Craig Dundas are both cup-tied.
Sutton manager Paul Doswell told SUFC TV: “Tuesday's a free bet for us in many ways, I think everyone expecting us to lose and not go through, and it's our chance to pull off a big Cup win”, adding “ I hope we do our supporters proud on the night”.
Tuesday's game is all-ticket and Sutton's allocation has been sold out.