FA Cup First Round For Sutton

Avoiding a few scares, Sutton came through their FA Cup tie at Southern Division One South West side Paulton Rovers to secure their place in the FA Cup 1st round proper.

It was a bright enough start from the U’s who were in front inside just 10 minutes, Kieran Cadogan being put through by Craig Eastmond to lob the keeper and give his side the lead. There had been chances before this point too, Eastmond volleying into the side netting and Cadogan firing just wide from the edge of the box. However Paul Doswell’s men were soon pegged back, a long goal kick being mistakenly put behind for a corner by Jamie Collins with the resulting delivery hammered home by Josh Ford. The rest of the half was fairly even though Tommy Wright did have two good chances to return U’s to the lead, heading straight at the keeper both times. Up the other end Paulton had a freekick from the edge of the box not far over Jamie Butler’s bar.

The second half began with a golden opportunity for the home side to take the lead, with Jack Ball getting through on goal but allowing Butler to dive at his feet and save due to his heavy touch. Just minutes later it was Sutton who took the lead, Tommy Wright getting away down the wing and crossing for Cadogan to finish first time. On 53 minutes another set piece caused United trouble again, the ball striking the foot of the post but the counter attack opportunity was seized, Aswad Thomas crossing for Louis John to head home after the ball had been worked up the pitch for a throw in. From this point onwards it threatened to be an onslaught but chances went begging from a variety of situations. Most notably was Cadogan’s effort against the post, though Craig Dundas may feel he ought to have scored when one-on-one with the hosts’ keeper. With 15 minutes to go however Paulton had one back, a deep cross spilt by Butler under pressure and substitute Dave Sims was on hand to tap home. There was one last chance for the underdogs, a freekick from 25 yards out saved by Butler, but otherwise Sutton were little troubled and saw out the win to book their place in the next round

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