Sutton impress at Havant

Havant & Waterlooville 1 Sutton United 1

SUTTON United continued their promising pre-season programme with a well-deserved draw against one of the Blue Square South title favourites Havant & Waterlooville.

Hardly flattered by their half-time lead on Saturday, U’s were the better side in the first half and, although Havant came back strongly in the second period, the U’s five substitutions inevitably disrupted their momentum.

Havant lost goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore in the second minute with a thumb injury after tipping over a cross from left back Simon Downer.

Ashmore’s replacement was Aaron Howe, son of former Sutton manager Ernie Howe, and he was picking the ball out of the net 10 minutes later.

Tom Dunford, who manager Paul Doswell hopes will commit to Sutton for the season after his intended move to Salisbury did not work out, fired in a low cross and Tom Davis was felled by a rash challenge from Ian Selley. Craig Dundas slotted away the penalty.

U’s could have had two more penalties in the next 10 minutes, Richard Jolly receiving a hefty shove in the back and Selley handling another low Dunford cross on the ground as he slid in to clear, while Dundas produced the other moment of note for U’s with a turn on the touchline and fierce shot that was deflected away.

Former Havant goalkeeper Kevin Scriven was called into action early in the second half, making a fine save from Mustafa Tiryaki’s header.

Havant substitute Harvey Whyte was on target within three minutes of coming on, firing past Scriven from close range after Tiryaki’s header from Sammy Igoe’s cross had fallen for him.

The home side lookedmore likely to go and win after that goal, with Tiryaki driving a shot in to the side netting and the impressive Whyte sweeping in a low first time shot that Scriven turned aside.

Howe’s most anxious moment came through a misunderstanding with Simpemba, but the defender’s header rolled wide.

U’s were indebted to Simon Downer two minutes from time when his clearance at the far post prevented another substitute, Alex Baldacchino, from heading in Whyte’s cross at the far post, but overall they were excellent value for the draw.

Sutton: Scriven, El-Salahi, Downer, Goodliffe, Page, Adjei (Watts), Dunford (Slegg), Davis (Kavanagh), Dundas (McKimm), Jolly, Orilonishe (Costa).