Second Placed Sutton Head North Again
- Mark Bravery
- Aug 17, 2017
- 2 min read
For the second weekend in a row Sutton United head to the north-west for a National League fixture, as this Saturday (19 August) they play away at Chester FC.
The Sutton team should be full of confidence following the consecutive victories that lifted them to second in the table after four games. A repeat of last Saturday's shock win at Tranmere Rovers could even put United on top of the table, but manager Paul Doswell will be mindful that just under a year ago his team lost 4-0 at Chester, going 2-0 down inside the first ten minutes and conceding another two goals in the final ten. United did exact a measure of revenge in April's return fixture when they romped to a 5-2 victory.
Chester have overhauled their squad during the close season, their departing players including James Alabi who scored a brace at Gander Green Lane but who is now at Tranmere. Experienced forward Ross Hannah has returned to the club from Barrow, while midfielder and England C international Kingsley James has rejoined from Macclesfield.
The Blues have experienced a frustrating start to this season, as their opening match at Solihull Moors was called off for unspecified safety reasons, then they could only manage home draws against newly-promoted AFC Fylde (1-1) and FC Halifax (0-0). They do though remain undefeated after Tuesday night's 1-1 draw at Hartlepool, their goal there being scored by James Akintunde.
Sutton are still missing the recuperating Simon Downer, Simon Walton and Adam Coombes, while centre back Dean Beckwith was forced off early in Tuesday's 2-1 win over Macclesfield. Louis John, who came on in Beckwith's place, will be expected to start at the Deva Stadium. Kevin Amankwaah, who played at Tranmere but was rested on Tuesday, could come back into contention at right back, and there may also be a return from injury for speedy winger Anthony Jeffrey. Fellow wide-man Bradley Hudson-Odoi, out since last season but now back in training, is due to go out on loan to regain match fitness. Young striker Tommy Wright, whose excellent late winner against Macclesfield was his first goal at this level, will hope to retain his place in the staring line-up.