Sutton finished the day with the three points but they did it the hard way. An abject first 25 minutes saw North Staffs time and again pressing the Sutton D. Woeful passing coupled with poor decision making... Sutton were hanging on. For all the attacks, the visitors didn't really trouble keeper Heywood but for every hard won ball, Sutton seemed intent on giving their opposition another go.
Sutton did however start to get their ship back in order and two counter attacks led to their first opportunities, both squandered by skipper Harding, who failed to even make connection with the second effort when presented with a free striking opportunity at the top of the D.
Tantrum on, the skipper removed himself from the fray and took himself off for a ten minute self-flagellation during which debutant Josh Thornley converted a short corner. In truth the skipper cannot report on what happened - he was too busy giving himself a dressing down for being... (insert your own word(s)).
Half time and some stern words - Sutton showed signs of improvement. Work at it boys! And they did - Willis doubling the lead with a great finish lifting the ball over the stranded keeper. Sutton showed signs of good form, angles were being made and confidence was rising, MOM Zak Smith and Nick Cowell in particular dragging Sutton to a level... but then with around 15 minutes left, North Staffs got their break - firstly a penalty stroke as keeper Heywood was beaten to the ball, who ensured the attacker went no further. Dispatched and with their wind in their sails, the Staffordshire side went up a notch and scored again... pressure telling.
But Sutton had the last hurrah with two minutes signalled after the restart. Finally, making amends for the desperate first half efforts, Harding nailed a short corner to the keeper's left, rattling the backboard - making up for last week too...