Havant Hammered By Efficient U's Performance

In extremely wet conditions in Hampshire Sutton United gave an encouraging performance, cruising to a 5-2 victory against the current Isthmian Premier Division champions.

It was the U’s who started brightest, with Nicky Bailey driving an effort from 20 yards just wide of the post, the goalkeeper beaten. Moses Emmanuel was the next to go close, gliding effortlessly past several attempted challenges before his effort at goal was blocked. Havant were soon able to grow into the game however and came close 25 minutes in when former Sutton player Matt Tubbs hit a volley just wide of Al-Droubi’s far post. 3 minutes later the home side did take the lead after a swift counter attack, Jason Prior able to get the finishing touch after an excellent ball in. United responded well and nearly equalised immediately when a Collins header from a corner was cleared off the line, but on 33 minutes the scores were level, Lafayette’s effort from the edge of the box taking a heavy deflection and skidding across the wet surface into the bottom corner. Sutton were on top at this point and seconds before half time had a great chance to take the lead, but Lafayette couldn’t get the right contact on a header from a deep free kick.

The spells of torrential rain made the second half an almost comical affair, with the ball often sticking in puddles in the wide positions. Tommy Wright was able to take advantage of this 15 minutes into the second half, winning the ball high up the pitch and being brought down by Havant keeper Ryan Young as he broke on goal. Wright dusted himself off to take the penalty, and duly scored to make it 2-1. Half time substitute Monakana looked lively and crossed for Eastmond a minute later, but the midfielder couldn’t get his effort from close range on target, volleying over. On 69 minutes the U’s extended their lead, Josh Taylor crossing for Craig Eastmond and although his header was well saved the rebound was set back to Nicky Bailey, who crashed home from the edge of the box. 10 minutes later it was 3-2, James Hayter hitting a volley into the ground and up, the linesman ruling it had crossed the line despite the efforts of academy player Tochukwu Okolo to turn it away. There was to be no comeback though as Craig Dundas benefitted from a goalkeeping mistake to tap home for 4-2, before the impressive Josh Taylor ghosted past several defenders and into the box, finishing calmly into the bottom right corner of the goal to make the final score 5-2.

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