Sutton Utd handed six competitive debuts for the club out from the start, with many of those players looking to make an impression with strong tackles in the opening minutes. The away side finished 19th in the League last season but started fast in the opening stages of the match, with a spell of pressure and attempts from Omar Mussa and Dan Urpens. Sutton United handed six competitive debuts for the club out from the start, with many of those players looking to make an impression with strong tackles in the opening minutes. The away side finished 19th in the League last season but started fast in the opening stages of the match, with a spell of pressure and attempts from Omar Mussa and Dan Urpens.
What happened?
The ball was launched into the box and Will Jaaskaleinen was unable to punch away, before it fell to Will Nightingale who capitalised and turned the ball home. Riding a wave of confidence, Sutton pushed for a second goal in the minutes following their opener, coming close when Omar Mussa, previously of Wealdstone, turned the ball across the face of goal, as well as a header which was gathered by Jaaskaleinen, before Timmy Akinola struck an effort high and wide.
Why it matters for Sutton Utd
Woking’s best effort of the first half came just before the half-time whistle, after a jinking run from Matthew Ward set up Aiden O’Brien, who diverted his header narrowly wide. O’Brien and Matthew Ward also tried their luck before the interval, however young goalkeeper Spike Brits, who featured in the Manchester City youth academy, remained relatively untested.
What comes next?
The visitors started the second half with two free kicks in identical positions, the first of which was blocked, the second of which was curled home wonderfully by Omar Mussa to double Sutton’s lead. Woking responded fast, piling pressure on in the box. Aiden O’Brien saw a goalbound effort blocked and Josh Kelly lifted a free kick over the bar as Woking searched to find a way back into the game.
League standing: 2nd in National League, 3 pts, 1W-0D-0L from 1 games, recent form W. Goals this season: 3 scored, 0 conceded (+3 goal difference). Next fixture: vs Tamworth (at home, 2027-02-16) (10th in the table).
