Sutton United V Paget Rangers (Division One)

​Sutton United were looking to continue their recent good form in division one with a result against local rivals Paget Rangers yesterday evening. The hosts were unbeaten from their last three matches coming into this one and notably drew 2-2 with Nuneaton Town in their last home match at Coleshill Road. They have established themselves at step six following promotion to division one last summer.

Paget Rangers were looking for a result to kickstart their season in division one. The Bears had been competitive in their first four matches but had no points going into yesterday. It’s a new look squad this season and they have shown a lot of fight under new manager Sean Feeney. A result in the next few matches would help give the squad some confidence for the season ahead.

The atmosphere at Coleshill Road was brilliant prior to kick off. The facilities are impressive for the level with a well-presented clubhouse that feels welcoming. There’s also a main stand that offers a good view of the pitch for the supporters.

It’s well worth a visit for groundhoppers across the West Midlands and can be easily accessed by getting on the X14 and stopping at Coleshill Road for a short walk to the ground. 

Starting line ups

The starting line up for Sutton United featured Gabe Newey starting in goal and Tom Massey captaining the team from attacking midfield. The formation looked like a 4-2-3-1 with Joe Gildea leading the line up front and being supported by Hayden Froggatt and Leyton Hines on the wings.

There were four changes from the team that started against AFC Bridgnorth at the weekend with Robbie Brown coming into the team and playing in holding midfield alongside Jon Grigg.

The starting line up for Paget Rangers included Callum Cook starting in goal and Jordan Ambris captaining the team from central defence. The formation appeared to be a 4-2-3-1 with Pervez Nedale leading the line up front and being supported by Delcio Neto and Morgan Cross on the wings.

There were three changes from the team that started against Smethwick Rangers at the weekend with Matthew Richardson coming back into the team and playing in holding midfield. 

​First Half

The opening stages of the match were lively with both teams going for it and looking to create chances early on. It was a refreshing change from the usual pattern of derby matches that tend to be scrappy with both teams gradually growing into the game. Both teams were looking to pass the ball forward when they had it which made for a frantic start to the match.

​Sutton United took the lead in the 3rd minute when a good run down the left by Leyton Hines saw the winger square the ball to Joe Gildea who produced a composed finish into the bottom right corner to make it 1-0. Callum Cook was close to saving it and it took a deflection before going in. None the less, it was a moment of quality that helped Sutton United settle into the match.

Despite going a goal down, the visitors offered a genuine threat on the break thanks to the work of Pervez Nedale who acted as a focal point for the Bears and helped them get up the pitch. He was holding up the play well and bringing players into the game for the visitors.  

The main pattern of the match involved the hosts playing a possession-based style under manager Richard Heath where they looked to play through the thirds and break down a resolute Paget defence. It’s worked well for them at step six and gives them an identity and style of play to build on.

​The visitors were mainly playing on the counterattack and looking to make the most out of the space available on the break.

Joe Gildea almost got a second goal near the half hour mark where he took a good free kick from the left-hand side that was well saved by Callum Cook to keep it at 1-0.

Sutton United made it 2-0 a few minutes later thanks to a quality finish from Joe Gildea in the box. He made a brilliant run off the ball before being found in the box and looping the ball over Callum Cook into the top right corner in the 32nd minute.

The best chance for Paget came in the latter stages of the first half when Pervez Nedale got into a promising position in the box before firing wide at the back post in the 40th minute. The Bears had a ten-minute spell in front of goal at the end of the first half where they were causing a few problems for Sutton United.            

The visitors had a guilt edged chance to make 2-1 in the final few minutes where a good ball delivered into the box found Dante Hesson who was free but struggled to get a connection to divert it towards goal. Paget responded well at the end of the half from going 2-0 down and created some good chances which is encouraging for the matches ahead.

Not long after the referee blew for the half time whistle with Sutton United leading 2-0 at the break.

Second Half

Sutton United had a degree of control over the match in the second half. Robbie Brown was playing well from holding midfield and offered Sutton that composure on the ball to build attacks. The scoreline played to their strengths in the second half and allowed them to pass the ball around with a bit more freedom from midfield.  

The chances in front of goal were fairly limited in contrast to the first half with both sides well organised at the back. Sutton United had a good chance to make it 3-0 in the middle of the half when an inviting free kick into the box found Matt Bishop at the back post who failed to connect with it.

A player who impressed for the hosts in the second half was substitute Scott Hardy who was bought on from the bench. He made a genuine impact from midfield and helped them get forward by linking up well with Joe Gildea in the final third. He had a good chance through on goal in the latter stages of the half with Callum Cook making an instinctive save to keep it at 2-0.

Paget were competitive in this match and competed admirably against a good Sutton United side to keep it fairly tight going into the latter stages. Dominic Ellington had a good game at the back and was making a lot of clearances to take the pressure off the Bears. They also offered a threat on the counterattack through the pace of Delcio Neto and Morgan Cross on the wings.

None the less, Sutton were fairly comfortable in the final stages of the second half and put in a professional performance to see out the match and get the three points.

Full Time

It was mainly that bit of quality in the box that made the difference yesterday between Sutton United and Paget Rangers. The hosts had that bit of composure in the final third which resulted in them getting their third win of the season.

​It’s a long season and both teams showed things to build on for the months ahead. Sutton United have adapted well to step six football over the last few seasons.  

Paget have not looked as bad as their record suggests and have been genuinely competitive in a lot of matches. Bears supporters will need a bit of patience under new manager Sean Feeney.

A result would give them a lot of belief and they could be a dangerous team to play against if it all clicks in front of goal. The signs of a good team are there despite their position in the league.       

FT score: Sutton United 2-0 Paget Rangers

Man of the match: Joe Gildea (Sutton United)

Match report written by Rhys Beardmore for the Midland Football League