Sutton V Stevenage- Match thread

[Del]

First home league game against Stevenage for many a year.

Hopefully a lot of our players have recovered from injury & illness because we don't really want to be propping up the other 91 teams at the end of the day.

Let's hope for a good crowd and a good result for us.

[Amber Aleman]

It's debatable whether our position at the foot of the table is mostly down to bad luck or naivety. From what I've seen we have the quality in our squad to compete in League Two. With two home games coming up we should surely be looking to get a minimum of four more points on the board before next weekend's trip to Exeter.

I'm not expecting Stevenage to present any more or less of a challenge than the sides we've already faced in the league. After the 'B team' win over the Crystal Palace youngsters last week, and with some uncertainty over certain players' fitness, Matt may have some tough decisions to make when it comes to selecting our starting XI.

I'm looking forward to the game.

[Andy K]

Without any insider knowledge on who is available, tomorrow's side may end up picking itself by default.

For those who've not been in the starting line up so far, this could be a huge opportunity to show what they can do.

[halftimet]

Who will be kit man/woman?

[shaneaib]

A bit like HMS Vigil I've been submerged all week. Have now come up to sea level with todays game coming into view. With all that's been happening recently and the challenges the club have faced I'd be overjoyed with a boring 1-0 win. I believe Matt likes the team to play as much as possible in the oppositions box, getting the ball up their but if we were a bit less hectic as a team today, pass quicker rather than players going on dramatic runs with the ball I'd be ok with that today. Today is about getting a win. I'm all for an entertaing game, drama but their comes a time when a win by any means necessary is what's called for. If today's game is less dramatic than the first episode of BBC's Vigil that's fine. I'll stop their as I getting out my depth 😊

[davef]

Just a reminder to buy your ticket in advance from our website to avoid queues on arrival.
You must have a match ticket before going to the turnstiles.
Tickets are not on sale at the turnstiles but there is a ticket booth in the car park for home spectators.

[Stewart]

Today’s team…

[bailo]

Enjoy today, those who are going. Fingers crossed for another bumper attendance. It was great to be at GGL for (at least the first 80 minutes of...) the Oldham game - a real thrill to be part of such a big crowd. There were some real positives on the pitch too but what is clear from seeing that game (and snippets of the others) is that we have to smarten up at both ends of the pitch. More ruthlessness and more guile. Am sure it will come; please let it start today!

[Stewart]

Didn’t we do well😎

[exilednorthwestu]

The first win as a Division 2 club is a pretty sweet feeling. Fairly poor first half, but game came to life straight from start of 2nd half. For a much changed team, on the whole they played alright. Why do Sutton never seem to exert dominance when the opposition go down to ten men. My nerves were shot watching it.
Hopefully this will give them the boost, and can kick on up the table. Great to see Richie scoring a brace, and there is certainly competition now for the front 2 places with Tanto coming back.
And a shout out to Dundo making his league debut in his 40's. Is he the oldest player ever to make a debut at this level?

[neil]

Absolutely brilliant to notch up our first L2 win. A nervy finish and I would echo the comments about not particularly making it count when playing against 10 men. Well done to all, felt quite emotional after that.

[banjo]

Well done lads, too come back from a goal down shows great spirit in this squad.  Also the luck went our way,  so well done to all in volved.👏⚽️

[amberchoc]

Well done boys. Here's to many more EFL victories. Bottoms up!

[backhome2016]

Three points, that feels good. I’m sure that Matt will be all over it, but we need to learn how to match manage - our last 15-20 minutes seems to invite teams on to us, allow the oppo to run deep into our half, and for us to cough up possession too easily. I always feel that we need a two goal cushion. That said, well done lads. Liked the look of us breaking from both flanks and a threat also coming from a central channel, which kept Stevenage guessing. Add Tanto to the mix and we have good competition for places up front. Looking positive as we move on.

[garethl]

Probably not our best league performance of the season but given the circumstances with 5(ish?) out, and 6 when Barden got injured, we showed great character. Who knows if there were others not yet feeling 100%. Thought Stevenage one of the better sides I’ve seen in league 2 to date (small selection), a lot better than Oldham. Caused us a lot of problems and we did let them get in a bit easily on a few occasions which is unlike us. Their number 9 was very very good. We had the rub of the green and Deano was fantastic. We certainly had a very good spell where we had them rocking and that was enough on this occasion. Enzio tore their right back to bits when we could get it to him in the right area, bit more composure needed in front of goal but looks like he has goals and assists in him. Bennett also impressed on his first (I think) league start. Lovely also for Dundo to get a league debut, quite a moment, might struggle to get many more league minutes so congrats to him for making it!! We probably struggled pressing wise a little without Bugiel who sets the tone.