SuttonUnited.net - The official website of Sutton United Football Club

We are looking to recruit experienced, part-time bar-staff. For further details e-mail functions@suttonunited.net and please include a contact number.  

This is varied and interesting work servicing a range of different customers, including our live music nights.

CultZeros, a company run by a Sutton United supporter, have produced a range of T-shirts to mark Sutton's Vanarama National League South championship success. Priced £12 each, postage and packing is free and £2 from every order will go to the club. For the full selection,and to order, click here.

A pre-season friendly has been arranged against Tonbridge Angels on Tuesday 2 August, kick off 7.45, at Gander Green Lane. Managed by former Sutton coach Steve McKimm, Tonbridge enjoyed a good season in the Ryman League this season but lost in the play-off semi-finals to eventual winners East Thurrock United.

More friendlies will be announced in due course as they are arranged,

The rearranged date for the Stadium Club AGM is Monday 23rd May, to be held in the Vice Presidents lounge at 7.30 pm.

All members of the Stadium Club are eligible to attend.

Less than SEVEN DAYS now until our current season ticket price bonanza ends, at midnight on 14th May, when we announce our new prices for next season in the Vanarama NATIONAL LEAGUE. Sales have continued to go well this week and the total now stands at an impressive 842.

With the current season still not yet over this means we are on target to reach our goal of #OneThousand.  If you still haven't bought your 2016/17 season-ticket, time is running out to take advantage of our special offer.  You can buy on line at www.suttonunited.net

or send your completed application form and cheque to  SUFC S/T Offer, The Borough Sports Ground, Gander Green Lane, Sutton. SM1 2EY

#inittogether

The last six years have seen Non-League Day (NLD) grow from being an event on Facebook to an annual national campaign which has grabbed the attention of clubs, leagues, the media and most importantly the fans.

As NLD has grown we’ve received many requests to run a second event during the season to get even more people involved. Given the huge amount of time and effort and to preserve the uniqueness of NLD, we’ve never really been able to entertain this idea but have thought about other ways we could do things.

Our favourite alternative was to create an event where, rather than send football fans to a wide variety of grounds around the country, we would encourage them to head to just one ground, bringing as many members of the non-league community together in the same place at the same time. We just weren’t quite sure how to do this.

Last year The Football Association asked us to help promote the FA Trophy Final at Wembley providing us with arguably the perfect game and venue for such an event. This season we are working with them again in the build up to the first ever Non-League Finals Day where the FA Vase and FA Trophy will be played back-to-back on the same day at the national stadium.

With Hereford playing Morpeth Town in the former (k.o. 12.15pm) and FC Halifax Town taking on Grimsby Town in the latter (k.o. 4.15pm) it promises to be a great day. With tickets at only £25 adults, £10 concessions and £1 kids it represents great value too. Not only this but for group bookings of 12 or more, the price of adult tickets halves to just £12.50.

To get tickets go to https://ticketing.thefa.com/ 

Fans will be allowed to pass in and out of the stadium to see exhibitions, information and examples of The FA’s work in the wider game and Sport Relief will also be charity partner for the day.

The record attendance for an FA Trophy final is 53,262 and we believe we should be able to beat that if we, as a community, see the value of the day and come together. With American football and rugby teams able to sell out and set world record crowds at Wembley – why can’t we?

With thousands of tickets already sold and interest in the non-league game rising all the time, this is a great opportunity to celebrate what we have and enjoy a great day out. It could be a defining moment. Be part of it.

James Doe

Founder, Non-League Day

We're sorry to announce that James Bracken is leaving his role as youth team manager. James has supervised our reserve and youth teams for nine years with great success, supervising the reserves to three consecutive Suburban League titles and just this season seeing his youth team win the Surrey Under 18 Midweek Cup for the fourth year in a row, and on Wednesday presiding over a 3-2 win against Corinthian in the Ryman Youth League Champion of Champions game after finishing top of the Central Division. A number of his squad also featured in the first team's run to the semi finals of the Surrey Senior Cup.

He has also for the past season been first team manager at Corinthian Casuals and seemed set to have guided them to a play-off place in Ryman League Division One South until hit by a controversial points deduction .

James said on his departure: '' I would like to thank Bruce, Dos, everyone at the club and all the fans for their support over the past nine years. I've been involved in over 500 games and won about thirty trophies, and have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club. I'd also like to thank everyone who has worked with me, but particularly Gareth Miller and Geoff Moxey, who have been with me as secretary and physio since the beginning and whose help has been invaluable.''

Paul Doswell also paid tribute to James's work. ''James has done a fantastic job with the young players over the past nine years, and also had an impressive first season with Corinthian Casuals. I'm sure he will have a very propserous managerial career, and I wish him all the best with that.''

Everyone at Sutton United would like to thank James for his great efforts during his time with the club, and wish him every success in the future. An announcement about a successor will be made in due course.

A BIG THANK YOU to our superb fans who have been simply terrific this season, turning up in increasing numbers home and away, and vocal too. It was a real fillip for the team to see and hear the banks of amber in the crowd, proving that we really are all #inittogether at this marvellous football club. 

As I mentioned in my post-match interview after the win at Maidstone, it was a night that made me very proud to be associated with Sutton United FC. The team performed magnificently on the pitch and the fans were wonderful on the terraces. A true team effort! Then, the increasing attendances at Gander Green Lane, culminating in the huge crowd for the match v Ebbsfleet, proves to me that the level of support we can generate to watch our team can continue to increase. 

Then of course we have the club’s amazing season ticket offer! Who would have believed a couple of years ago that we would have 800 season ticket holders already signed up for the new season before the old season had even finished! Of course it is an unbelievable offer; the opportunity to watch 23 Home League games in the National League plus 5 or 6 high profile pre-season friendlies for a maximum hitherto of £99 is just incredible value! But we want to see GGL full of people every week and you, our fans, have a big part to play in the team’s fortunes. We look forward to another highly exciting season in 2016/17 TOGETHER. 

My job now is to assemble the squad within an acceptable budget to enable us to compete in the higher division. As I mentioned in one interview recently, we’re not planning to go up there just to make up the numbers! This is where I really need your help; hence the release of the “Boost the Budget” campaign, where ALL funds contributed will go towards the playing budget for 2016/17. For a minimum of just £10 per month (Jul – Apr) , you can own a piece of your football club by receiving two shares in SUFC Ltd (per £100 contributed) and, in so doing,  help me to put together a squad of which we can all hopefully be very proud, as we take Sutton United into the top tier of Non-League football where we all want to be. 

Full details are on the web-site , or go direct to the application form.

Thank you in advance for your continued, fantastic support 

Yours in amber,

Paul Doswell

Sutton's success in the Vanarama National League South has been rewarded with nominations in the Non-League Paper National Game Awards, with the winners receiving their awards at a lunch at Stamfrd Bridge on Wednesday 18 May. Paul Doswell has been included in the shortlist for Manager of the Year, while Ross Worner is one of the nominees for Goalkeeper of the Year. For further details and how to vote, click here. Voting closes at midday on Friday 6 May.

Hi fellow Sutton United supporter and Strikers are Key member/applicant! 

Well; what a hugely exciting season we have enjoyed down the Lane!! Thank you for your support of this fun scheme this year which has played an important part in helping the club achieve its ambition for 2015/16. We really are all #inittogether. 

Now of course we turn our attention to 2016/17 – a season we await with huge excitement!! 

It’s also a season when the “Strikers are Key” initiative provides even greater value as we have two more home League games to enjoy and contribute to the scheme!! 

I think I have contacted those syndicate leaders who have agreed to support the scheme again next year plus a few new members (the overall total will remain at 50). Now can I please request that you fill out the attached form and return to me at your earliest convenience….. and no later than 30th June please. 

Thank you again for your outstanding support.         #champions 

Adrian Barry 

Strikers are Key Organiser

Click on these links to download the rules and application form

Already holders of the Surrey under-18 Midweek Cup and champions of the Ryman Youth League Central Division, the U's tonight added the Ryman Champions' Cup after beating Corinthian 3-2 at Colston Avenue.

Aidan Brown opened the scoring with a first-half screamer before Corinthian equalised after the break. Reyon Dillon made it 2-1 but the U's were pegged back again before Callum Phillip hit the winner with a quarter of an hour to go.

Full report  here.

After 4 highly successful and enjoyable years for both parties, we are pleased to announce that Abbotts have signed a brand new 3-year contract, which will come up for renewal in May 2019.

Jeremy Ramsden, the Group Sales Director for Abbotts, commented "I’d personally like to say a massive thank you to Sutton United for the unconditional support the club have given to me and my team over the last 4 years. At the very core of Sutton United is the Club’s deep-rooted commitment to its local community and the burning desire to provide the very highest standard of football whilst offering a totally inclusive environment for players. From elite to disability, Sutton United truly offers football for all. The club is equally committed to businesses across South London, offering a clear commercial strategy for companies to connect and network. Whether this is sponsorship/advertising campaigns, business networking or CSR/Community Outreach projects, Sutton United have demonstrated a tried and tested model, which continues to be taken extremely seriously by businesses, corporations and charities across the region."  

Sutton United joined forces with Abbotts in May 2012 and, since then, all parties have benefitted immensely from the partnership.

To learn more about what Abbotts do at the Club, please click on http://abbottsgroup.co.uk/sutton/

Some time ago, Bruce Elliott (Chairman – Sutton United) provided the following testimonial:-

"We, Sutton United FC, engaged the professional services of Abbotts Group back in May 2012. In the last 2½ years, they’ve not only generated substantial financial investment, but also played a significant role in the club winning 2 prestigious Sutton Business Awards in 2013 – ‘Business of the Year’ and ‘Commitment to the Community’.  

Since then, Abbotts have been the backbone of all aspects of the Club’s commercial activities from major investment sponsorship campaigns to smaller one-off deals."

Ahead of the 2016/17 season, just some of the commercial inventory secured, by Abbotts, are as follows.... 

150 Corporate Members of the Sutton United ‘community business network’

1st team kit sponsorship:
a). Front of home playing shirt 
b). Front of away playing shirt 
c). Back of away playing shirt 
d). Home playing shorts

Professional academy sponsorship
Disability team sponsorship
Pitch-side advertising billboards (Full)
Stadium advertising billboards (nearly Full)
Car-park advertising billboards (Full)

To find out more, please contact Jeremy Ramsden at jeremy@abbottsgroup.co.uk or call me on 07930 575 332.

We have had so many messages of congratulations and good wishes since winning the title that it would take a month of Sundays to respond to every one individually or even to list them all here. We have heard from other clubs, former players, supporters who have moved away, local politicians and many, many more.

So, on behalf of Paul and his management team, the players and everyone at Sutton United we would just like to thank all of those who have sent us their good wishes for their kind thoughts.

Regular supporters will have noted the absence of one well-known face during the course of the season.  Our Treasurer, Mike Bidmead, was taken ill early in the season and had to spend a considerable period of time in hospital. He is now in a nursing home but we have been advised that he will not be able to return to his duties at the club and is therefore resigning his position as Treasurer and as a Director.     

Mike began his career in football as a referee, officiating in the old First Division and in Europe, and also served with Woking Football Club before joining Sutton. However he is probably best known for some four decades at the helm of the Suburban League, where he was Chief Executive until a couple of years ago.  Mike's wife Val (the "Olive" to his "Blakey") is also a familiar face, helping out as one of the Boardroom Ladies who provide such welcoming hospitality to visiting directors and guests.  

We would like to thank them both for all of their help and support and we are sure you will all join us in sending our very best wishes to both Mike and Val.

One requirement of promotion is that we have a doctor present for every game but we have not had the position of Club Doctor permanently filled for several years. So, if you are a qualified doctor and might like to take on this role, or perhaps know somebody else who could be interested, please e-mail davef@suttonunited.net.  

The duties could be carried out by just one doctor or by two or more on a rota basis if that is more convenient. 

Sutton finished the season with a seventh consecutive victory as Tom Bolarinwa's first half goal earned success at Oxford City. It was U's 26th league game unbeaten and a fifth clean sheet in a row, with Denzel Gerrar making his debut in goal. Much of the rest of the game had an end of season feel to it but there was a party mood off the pitch as the supporters celebrated finishing top of the table, six points clear of runners-up Ebbsfleet. Full report with photos here, Paul Doswell's post-match interview with SUFC TV here, and film of Tom Bolarinwa's winner here.

 National League Budget – own a piece of YOUR club - #inittogether

The feeling of elation following our title win and subsequent  promotion to the National League continues to pervade every corner of Gander Green Lane and, for sure, everyone associated with Sutton United Football Club has had a very wide smile on their face since last Saturday afternoon!

Now, of course, we must turn our minds quickly to the business of ensuring we are as strong as we can be, both on and off the pitch, as we turn to face the challenge of establishing ourselves at this higher level. As the Manager was quoted as saying in the press last weekend “we are not aiming to go up there just to make up the numbers!”

Increasing our playing budget is obviously a key element of the club’s ambitions to compete strongly in this Division. We want to keep this great squad who have entertained us so royally this term; indeed we want to add to it. To that end, we are sending out a call to arms for you to help in this quest and, in so doing, own a part of this very special football club.

Just £10 per month for ten months (July – April) will buy you two shares  in the football club at season’s end  (that’s just £2.50 per week) - £20 per month will buy you 4 shares etc etc. It is a great opportunity for our terrific supporters to play a really important part in helping to maintain and improve the great team we already have and raise the additional funds we need to help us to progress. All monies raised through this initiative will go directly to the playing budget – Dos is hoping for as many supporters as possible to help him keep the momentum moving forwards for next season.

In every sense, we are #inittogether at Sutton United FC.

To apply or for more information please e mail davef@suttonunited.net heading your e-mail “National League budget share option” and indicating how many shares you wish to buy or click on the attached application form here and send to the address stated.

Thank you in advance for your tremendous support.

Onwards and upwards we go.

Sutton's Youth Team clinched a place in the Ryman Youth League Champion of Champions Play-Off Final tonight with a 5-2 victory over Western Division winners Staines Town. Harry Towner's and Dinos Kalognomas gave Sutton a 2-1 interval lead after the visitors went in front, and Staines levelled the scores soon after half-time but Callum Phillip, Tom Mallett and Reyon Dillon strikes set up a Final against Eastern Division winners Corinthian. Match report here.

The Final will be played at Carshalton Athletic next Wednesday evening.

 Sutton United are pleased to announce the following sponsors for the season  2016/17 in the Vanarama National League:  

The draw was held today at 10am in the SUFC board room for the Main Sponsors draw, this was made by Graham Baker [Commercial Manager] and was witnessed by Bruce Elliott [Chairman] and we would like to thank all of the companies who entered the draw for their support,.  

Logo on the front of home shirt GREEN GO WASTE  

Logo on the front of away shirt CHAMPION TIMBER  

Logo on the back of the first team home shirts ACCTIVE SYSTEMS  

Logo on the back or the first team away shirts VIRIDOR   

Logo on the first team home shorts KT PARTNERSHIP  

Logo on the first team away shorts AUTOTEC WORKSHOP  

Logo on the first team tracksuits DREW SMITH HOMES   

Table for 10 at SUFC's Gents' Evening in November 2016 REED BUSINESS INFORMATION  

Table for 10 at SUFC's Gents' Evening in March 2017 DAVID SERCOMBE    

A Strikers are key ball for the season 2016/17 BURGE AND GUNSON    

2 Corporate advert boards D ADAMS ROOFING  

We would like to thank all of our sponsors and hope that we can give them an exciting 2016/17 season. 

Sutton's Youth Team, winners of the Ryman Youth League Central Division take on Staines Town who won the Western Division on Thursday evening in the Semi-Finals of the Ryman Youth League Champion of Champions, 7.30pm kick-off at Gander Green Lane. The winner will face either Corinthian or Burgess Hill Town, who also play tomorrow evening, in the Final that will take place on Wednesday 4th May at Carshalton Athletic.

There may still be one game left to play this season but now that we have clinched promotion  we have already started to turn our thoughts to next season. One area that we do need to address is matchday resourcing.  With bigger crowds anticipated we will need extra help in terms of managing the car-park (including a paid manager's role), match stewarding, gate people, meeters & greeters/commissionaires.

If you think you might like to help and would like more information, please email davef@suttonunited.net

Two more trial dates have been announced for anyone wishing to join the Sutton United Academy for the next academic year. They are:

Wednesday 18 May, 6.30pm to 8pm

Monday 13 June, 6.30pm to 8pm.

Both are to be held at Sutton United FC. For more details and to book click here.

It's been confirmed that in extending the unbeaten league run to 25 games with Saturday's win over Chelmsford, the current squad has created a new club record, surpassing the 24 game unbeaten run achieved by the Isthmian League championship team of 1986. That run, like this one, contained five draws, and it ran from the middle of October to the end of April before being ended at Yeovil.

Manager Paul Doswell commented: ''To think this squad of players has achieved something unsurpassed in the club's 118-year history does just underline what a special group we have, and they deserve all the credit and plaudits coming their way.''

Clair and Jeremy Ramsden, Sutton United Commercial Partners and founders of the Business Club,  ran the 2016 Virgin London Marathon on Sunday, Clair finished in 4 hours 48 minutes, nearly half an hour quicker than last year and Jeremy completed it in 4 hours 40 minutes despite running injured after tearing his hamstring in the Brighton marathon the week before.

Clair and Jeremy were running for the charity PSP Association, a charity that supports the families and those suffering with terminal, degenerative brain disease. If you would like to sponsor them the link is - http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JeremyRamsden 

Well, what a remarkable and memorable twelve months ! 

This time last year the overwhelming feeling was one of disappointment after a season that never really took off. Having finished as runners-up in 2014 we had gone into the season full of optimism but, for one reason or another, we didn't quite click.  The point at which things changed can be traced back to that evening in early Spring last year when we all gathered in the Times Square Lounge to announce three new initiatives.   

The first announcement was the formation of the new Sutton United Academy. That has rather flown under the radar given everything else that has been going on but it has gone from strength to strength under the guidance of ex-U Marvin Williams and will play an increasingly important part in the life of the club in future years.   

The second initiative was the decision to install a 3G pitch. It was touch and go to squeeze the work in between the planning decision and the start of the new season but Slatters did an outstanding job, not only to meet the deadline but to give us a surface that has been widely praised as the best 3G surface around. Others will surpass us, of course - that's the nature of technology - but we have a fantastic surface that should serve us well for years to come and has played its part in a season full of exciting football. This pitch has also allowed us to provide a home for Sutton Common Rovers FC and AFC Wimbledon Ladies, with a cornucopia of other events also taking place from charity matches and veterans' walking football to kids' starter sessions. The icing on the cake was being awarded the international match between England C and Slovakia under-21s this June. That promises to be a great day to round off the season and bring another set of memories to treasure.   

Our third initiative to be announced was perhaps the biggest gamble but also the most important step we took, to offer season tickets at greatly reduced prices in order to attract a greater number of regular supporters.  We were delighted to sell so many tickets, a factor of four more than the previous year, but of course the question would be what effect selling tickets so much below the equivalent match day admission prices would have on total revenue. We were pleased to see that the result was all we had hoped for, the total league match income was actually higher than for 2014/15, and that's before our bumper gate against Ebbsfleet.  Our average gate in the league was 1,043.  The directors therefore took little time in agreeing to put a similar scheme in place for next season and sales for 2016/17 have already sailed past this year's figure.   

Ticket sales and attendances, of course, owe more than a little to events on the field. We started slowly, as is our habit, playing good football but not always getting the results we thought we deserved. We had a good little run in the FA Cup, unluckily losing at Aldershot in the final qualifying round, but after losing at home to Hayes & Yeading we found ourselves 8th in the league, 14 points behind leaders Ebbsfleet having each played 16 games. The manager made some minor changes to the team and we went on a little unbeaten run, edging into the play-off places.  That unbeaten run then extended beyond Christmas and our place in the top five began to look a bit more assured. A reprieve in the FA Trophy saw us enjoy our best run in that competition for several years before being knocked out by a good Bognor side but that was maybe a blessing in disguise. Our unbeaten league run had continued but we still found ourselves 12 points behind Ebbsfleet, albeit with games in hand because of our involvement in the Trophy.  Gradually the gap narrowed as games in hand were turned into points on the board and we went into a vital game at Maidstone United, the 2nd leg of the "3G Derby", in good form and turned in an excellent display to move above our hosts into second place.  Our second match in a matter of weeks in front of a crowd in excess of 3,000 people then saw us beat Ebbbsfleet 2-0 at The Lane to move three points clear at the top of the table.   

And so to the final home game, against Chelmsford City, knowing that a single point would see us clinch the league title. A composed 2-0 win, with more than a little excellent one-touch football, was followed by the presentation of the trophy, celebrations on the pitch and a non-stop party evening.  here may still be one league match left to play but work has already begun on planning for the new challenges we will face on and off the field next season.  One of the challenges we will face will be around resourcing, we are already blessed with more wonderful volunteers than most other clubs but we need more !  So, if you you think you can help next season, in any way, please email davef@suttonunited.net    

So, many congratulations to Paul and his management team and all of the players on a magnificent season and for winning what must be considered the biggest trophy in the club's history.  Of course, this club is about so much more than the first eleven and we must also congratulate James Bracken and his youth team for again winning the Ryman Youth League Central Division and the Surrey U-18 Midweek Cup and also Steve King for the highly successful inaugural season of the Community Team, beating both Arsenal and Chelsea.  We also enjoyed considerable success with our junior boys' and girls' teams. Well done to everybody involved this season, from Paul Doswell to the car-park stewards. #InItTogether   

Bruce Elliott  and  Dave Farebrother

After celebrating in the dressing room with his players and staff, manager Paul Doswell emerged to talk to SUFC TV about the victory over Chelmsford and the championship success. Click here to watch.

After the celebrations on the pitch on Saturday following Sutton's clinching of the Vanarama National League South championship, the party carried on in to the evening at the annual Player of the Year awards evening, where midfielder Craig Eastmond took the honours, winning the club Player of the Year award and the Andrew James Trophy for Players' Player of the Year. Sharing the spotlight from the first team was goalkeeper Ross Worner, who was voted Player of the Year by the Supporters' Club, whose chairman Mark Notton had presented him with the trophy prior to the game against Chelmsford (below). In the SUFC TV Goal of the Season award, Dan Wishart's effort at Margate a fortnight ago was just pipped by Craig Dundas's solo effort at Concord Rangers in December.

Popular kitman Clive Baxter won the Barry Aplin Clubman of the Year award, while the Ralph Carr Memorial Trophy for young player of the year went to youth team striker Reyon Dillon, who impressed on his appearances in the Surrey Senior Cup, scoring on his debut at Corinthian Casuals.

Reyon's captain in the youth team, Jack Strange, was the Youth Team player of the year while Jordan Watson-Brown was voted Most Improved Player for the Under 18s.

There were three awards for the Academy side which went to Max Felloni (Player of the Year), Leon Dadey (Players' Player of the Year) and Sheriff Njie (most improved player).

The community side, which has recently beaten Chelsea and Arsenal, scoring 21 goals in the process, were also honoured with England hopeful Harry Evans winning the Player of the Year, Joshua Taylor the Players' Player, Paul Leconte winning the Golden Boot as leading scorer, and William Stone the Clubman of the Year.

Steve King, the driving force behind the community team as well as a number of other initiatives, was also presented with the inaugural Sutton United Community Award.

Our initial very special offer on 2016/17 season tickets expired at midnight, by which time we had sold 706 tickets - excluding the latest on-line sales. That's incredible, many thanks to everyone who has purchased a ticket or encouraged others to do so.  Next stop, One Thousand !

Our revised prices are listed below and will be in force until 14th May, after which admission prices for next season and season-ticket prices will be reviewed again in light of our promotion to the Vanarama National League. Season-tickets already purchased or bought before 14th May WILL be valid next season. We like to think that is unbelievable value !

Adults £125   Persons aged 20 to 59 inclusive. Concessions £95   Persons aged 60 or over, claiming jobseeker’s allowance or students (over 19) in full-time education. Teens £20   Persons aged 13 to 19 inclusive. Kids £10   Persons aged 12 or under.

To buy on-line, click here

#InItTogether

The final Strikers are Key draw(s) of the season duly took place in a jubilant Main Bar after yesterday's title-winning win v Chelmsford. First out of the trophy(!) with a chance to win £1,200 was ball 40 owned by the syndicate "Barmy U Army" comprising Clive Greatley, Daniel Miller, David Behan, Luke Beckett and Keith Beckett. Clive came forward to try his luck but to no avail, winning his syndicate the £50 consolation prize.

With that key discarded, we were down to three and next out of the trophy was ball 33 owned by David Mathers and Keith Creasey. Keith tried his luck to win the remaining £1,150 but again to no avail; the right key proved elusive once more and the £50 consolation prize went to "K and D".

With £1,100 left in the safe and two keys to choose from, ball 6 was the next to emerge owned by Bobby Childs Senior and Christopher Halsey. Christopher chose wisely and opened the safe, picking up the loot along the way. Congratulations to the syndicate "Ride to Truro"!

Thank you all for your tremendous support of this initiative once more. Here's to 2016/17!

AB

Sutton duly clinched the Vanarama National League South championship this afternon with first half goals from Dan Fitchett and Ross Stearn enough to beat Chelmsford. Full report with photos here.

The league trophy was presented after the game, and the celebrations went on long in to the night at the end of season party where Craig Eastmond was voted Player of the Year and Ross Worner picked up the Supporters' Club award. 

With the issue of the National League and FA charge now resolved, Sutton go in to tomorrow's last home game of the season against Chelmsford City knowing that one point from either tomorrow's game or next Saturday's trip to Oxford City will remove any mathematical doubt that the Vanarama National League championship is coming to Gander Green Lane, and a large crowd is expected to see if U's can clinch the trophy tomorrow.

Chelmsford come to the game in good form, a 6-1 thrashing of Gosport last week ending any fear of relegation, and they also recorded a convincing recent win against Maidstone before giving Ebbsfleet a scare at Stonebridge Road a fortnight ago, scoring in the first minute before finally losing 3-1. Billy Bricknell, a regular scorer at this level, scored four against Gosport and will need to be watched, but captain Mark Hughes will be missing as he begins a two match suspension.

Sutton welcome back Dan Wishart after his own two match ban, but will be without Kevin Amankwaah, beginning a three match ban for his red card at Maidstone which, if U's do clinch the title, will be completed next season. U's have beaten Chelmsford in all four previous National League South meetings on the ground, and two Dan Fitchett goals were enough for victory in Essex in January, so hopes will be high that tomorrow evening's end of season party will be held in a celebratory mood.

Should Sutton gain the point required, the presentation of the championship trophy and medals will take place after the game.

To see Paul Doswell and Nicky Bailey looking forward to the weekend's gameon SUFC TV, click here 

Tomorrow is also the last chance to buy season tickets at £99 (£85 for existing season ticket holders) before the prices go up on Sunday.

At 5.15 the TVs in the bars will be showing the FA Cup Semi-Final between Manchester United and Everton. There is no lunchtime game on BT Sport today.

At a hearing before a sub-committee of the National League today, a charge against Sutton United for fielding an ineligible player, Jamie Slabber, in the game at St Albans on Saturday 5th March was heard. Upon the club's admission to the charge, Sutton United were found guilty of a breach of league rule 6.9, fined £500 and warned as to their future conduct.

In a separate hearing held this week, Sutton United were also warned by the Football Association in relation to matters concerning the ineligibility of the same player in the same match.

Sutton suffered their second League defeat of the season in their final Central Division fixture tonight thanks to a 3rd minute Hampton & Richmond Borough goal on a difficult playing surface. Match report here.

Sutton have been drawn at home to Staines Town, who won the West Division, in the Divisional Champions' Play-Offs Semi-Final, a match that will take place at Gander Green Lane next Thursday evening. Corinthian and Burgess Hill Town will play in the other Semi-Final.

After a 13-1 win over Arsenal last week, the U's doubled up with an impressive 8-1 victory over Chelsea, to cap a great year for the team in their first full season.

England hopeful Harry Evans completes his hat-trick

The double Strikers Are Key draw duly took place in a packed Players' Bar after yesterday's thrilling win against Ebbsfleet. Draw 19 of the season (in respect of the Bishop's Stortford match) resulted in ball 18 emerging from the purple velvet bag, the ball owned by The Hollands. Skipper Jamie Collins stepped forward to see if he could pick the right key for Tony and Sylvia to win the £700 booty, but alas to no avail and they had to make do with the £50 consolation prize.

Draw 20 swiftly followed with £950 up for grabs, and this time it was the turn of ball 44, owned by the syndicate " Last of the Summer Whine", comprising Mark Frake, Mark Kidd, Bob Budd and Chris Vagg. Our resident historian Mr Frake visited the SAK stage but he too couldn't pick out the correct key to open the safe and once again £50 was shared as consolation across the quartet making up this syndicate.

So; what does that all mean ahead of the final SAK draw of the season next week after the match v Chelmsford? It means:- a minimum of £1,150 will be up for grabs which MUST BE WON.- The draw will continue until the correct key is chosen; after each (if any) unsuccessful attempt, the key involved will be discarded and the £50 consolation prize awarded, until the safe is opened when the remaining contents will be won.

The final draw(s) will take place one hour later than normal at 6:30pm next Saturday as part of the End of Season awards party- Don't forget - each syndicate is entitled to one free ticket to that party. Bring along your SAK membership card.Thank you for your outstanding support of this fun and important initiative for the club.

I hope you've enjoyed it too and here's to 2016/17!

#unitedwestand

In front of a bumper crowd of 3,142 the U's went three points clear of their visitors at the top of the Vanarama National League South with first half goals by Dan Fitchett and Bedsente Gomis (a penalty). The U's will be confirmed as champions if they can win either of their last two games.

Full report with photos here.

Sutton's Under-18s ran out 8-1 winners over Walton & Hersham last night in their final Ryman Youth League Central Division home fixture and ended their home league season with a 100% record. Aidan Brown, Anthony Ateside and Elliot Anderson all scored twice whilst Dinos Kalognomas and Reyon Dillon both added further goals. Match report to follow.

The Youths finish their league campaign next Wednesday at Hampton & Richmond Borough.

Since the fixture list was compiled in the summer, a home game against Ebbsfleet a fortnight before the end of the season always looked attractive but few could have predicted the circumstances in which the two best sides in the Vanarama National League South Division would meet tomorrow. Sutton and Ebbsfleet are level on points at the top of the table, and eight points clear of the nearest challengers, so it goes without saying that tomorrow's game could go a long way to deciding which of the two sides will go up automatically, and which will have to take a chance in the play-offs. With a game in hand, Sutton have the advantage but an Ebbsfleet victory would still probably require U's to win their two remaining games to finish top.

There wasn't much between the sides at Stonebridge Road in September, Jordan Parkes' goal proving the winner, though equally decisive was Brandon Hall's late penalty save from Craig Dundas. The sides have the two best defensive records in the division, and although Ebbsfleet showed signs of a wobble when they took just one point over the two Easter games, two successive wins have kept their challenge on track. Both sides will be without suspended players tomorrow, Sutton missing Dan Wishart and Ebbsfleet without Dean Rance, both of whom have reached the 10 bookings mark.

A large crowd is expected tomorrow on what is also one of the club's Community Days, and all spectators are urged to arrive as early as possible and to use public transport if at all possible, with West Sutton station adjacent to the ground and bus 413 (linking with the Underground system at Morden) passing the ground. The bars will be open from 12.00 and the Norwich v Sunderland Premier League game, as much of a six-pointer as what will follow, will be on the television.

Click here to see pre-match interviews with Craig Eastmond and Dan Fitchett as well as the chairman and manager

Sutton United are pleased to announce that the match sponsors for this Saturday's match against Ebbsfleet are GREEN GO WASTE.

And the corporate match day ball sponsors are CNM ESTATES.

Sutton United would like to thank both companies for their support.

Sutton supporters are reminded that the stadium will be very busy this Saturday, with one of our biggest league attendances for many years expected. The turnstiles will open at 1.00pm and the car-park will shut, for safety reasons, at 2.00pm and although we will open all of the turnstiles, spectators are advised to arrive as early as they can. And wear something amber!!

Get in the mood for the big game with exclusive interviews on SUFCtv.

We're delighted to announce that Gander Green Lane has been chosen to stage the England C team's International Challenge Trophy fixture with holders Slovakia on Sunday 5 June, kick off 2pm.

Chairman Bruce Elliott said: ''Coming at the end of such a successful first season with our 3G surface this is a tremendous honour for Sutton United. We are delighted to have been asked to stage the game, and look forward to welcoming everyone involved to Gander Green Lane in June.''

England manager Paul Fairclough commented: ''I have heard excellent reports on the quality of the surface at Sutton and we are looking forward to visitng Gander Green Lane in June. We have good memories of playing on an artificial surface as we beat Finland Under 21s in Helsinki back in 2007.''

Slovakia will prove to be difficult opponents for the England team. The only previous meeting was in May 2014 in Poprad with Slovakia winning 1-0 in a hard-fought encounter. Both sides have begun their qualifying games with victories, England 2-0 against Ukraine in Kiev and Slovakia beating Estonia 4-0.

Admission to the game will be free and it is hoped that as many supporters as possible will come along to the game and whet their appetite for Euro 2016 which begins later in the month and in which one of England's opponents will be Slovakia.

With the Ryman Youth League Central Division title already sewn up, Sutton's Under-18s cruised to a 7-0 victory tonight at Dorking Wanderers. Jordan Watson-Brown, Darnell Austin and Aidan Brown put Sutton three goals up at half-time, then Jack Strange, Elliot Anderson, Seyi Aka-Bashorun and a second from Brown wrapped up the scoring after the interval. Match report here.

Sutton complete their home fixtures on Friday evening against Walton & Hersham, 8.00pm kick-off at Gander Green Lane.

The National League has commissioned Thomas Lyte as designers and makers of three brand new trophies for the respective winners of The National League Championships. 

Each one will be lifted by National, North and South respective champions later this month as the 2015/16 season draws to its climax. 

Made in the Thomas Lyte London Workshop, the three trophies are each made from Silver Plate with 24 carat gold plating, with the North and South standing at 50cm tall, and the National standing an impressive 60cm tall. Each is an imposing award in its own right, though designed to create the new brand behind The National League. 

The trophies are created from flat sheets of metal, which are first cut into the required size. By a means of hammering, these are then moulded into a cone shape, and soldered at the seams to secure. After which the process of spinning occurs; drawing the cone on to the chucks shaped to a lathe, which finalises the shape of the trophy. The decorative handles are then forged by hand and hammer by the master silversmith. 

All components are pre-polished prior to the assembly, but once together as a piece the trophy is returned to the polisher to re-polish to a bright finish. Finally it is silver-plated with pure silver, and the finer details are picked out in 24ct gold. From design to finish, each trophy takes around 110 craft hours to complete. 

Brian Barwick, Chairman of the League stated "We have worked closely with Thomas Lyte to ensure that the creative image of our League is continued into the actual trophies which each Championship club will receive as winners in a few weeks. It was so important to embody into the design the modern day thinking of the League and this has been admirably achieved through great craftsmanship". 

Kevin Baker, Founder and CEO of Thomas Lyte, said: "Having crafted some of football’s most iconic trophies, it is an honour to be the official designers and makers of the new trophies for The National League. These trophies are a masterpiece of British silversmithing, handcrafted by our elite crafts people at our London Workshop. Thomas Lyte prides itself on the skills of its expert silversmiths and this iconic symbol of competitive sportsmanship couldn't be in better hands."

The National League is delighted that Stephanie Moore, the widow of the legendary Bobby Moore and founder of the Bobby Moore Fund is to be the Chief Guest at the 2016 Vanarama National Promotion Final.

The match is to be played at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 15th May, kick off 4.00pm, and will be screened LIVE by BTSport.

It is the League's major showpiece, as two of its top clubs vie for the prize of earning a place in the Football League. Last season the match drew a record crowd in excess of 47,000.

2016 is a special year because it is the 50th anniversary of England winning the World Cup. Those iconic images of England captain Bobby Moore lifting the World Cup have lived long in the memory.

Stephanie founded the Bobby Moore Fund to raise money to help fund Cancer Research UK's life-saving research into bowel cancer, the disease from which Bobby Moore died.

The 68 member clubs of The National League have been requested to select a home match in April to make a collection for the Bobby Moore Fund and these, together with monies donated at the League's Annual Gala at Celtic Manor in June, will be put towards assisting the Fund with its charitable and research objectives.

Brian Barwick, Chairman of The National League, said "The work Stephanie has tirelessly undertaken in aid of the Bobby Moore Fund has been nothing short of phenomenal. As part of Cancer Research UK, the fund does immense work to raise money for bowel cancer research and the support it receives demonstrates the affection this nation still holds for the sporting hero that was Bobby Moore."

Stephanie Moore added: "2016 is a poignant year as it marks 50 years since Bobby and his teammates lifted the World Cup. We're determined to raise as much money as possible this year in the hope that we can bring forward the day we beat bowel cancer. I'm honoured to be invited to this year's final as Chief Guest and extremely grateful to The National League for their incredible support of the Bobby Moore Fund".

With the 'early bird' ticket offer now closed, tickets for the game are available from Wembley Stadium between now and Monday 9 May, price £41. Click here for more details.

Sutton moved to the top of the Vanarama National League South table tonight with a 2-0 win over Bishop's Stortford. Craig Eastmond put U's ahead seven minutes before half time and then won the penalty that enabled Jamie Collins to settle any nerves with five minutes left. It means that U's lead Ebbsfleet by a superior goal difference of nine with a game in hand ahead of the meeting between the sides at Gander Green Lane on Saturday. Full report with photos here.

Two first half goals from Tom Bolarinwa and Bedsente Gomis, from the spot, supplemented by late goals for Kevin Amankwaah and Dan Wishart, a wonderful solo effort, gave the U's a fairly comfortable afternoon on the Kent coast. They now trail leaders Ebbsfleet by three points but have two games in hand and the sides meet at the Lane next Saturday. Defeat for third-placed Maidstone at home to Dartford leaves them a further 5 points back. Full report with photos here.

Not a scoreline you expect to see every day but this was the result when the Sutton United Community Team, under manager Steve King, took on their Arsenal counterparts at The Lane.

Despite the scoreline Arsenal's players and coaches enjoyed their visit to the Borough Sports Ground and we seem to have made some new friends, as they have invited us back to Arsenal for a return game and received some very favourable comments from their manager.

A very memorable day for all concerned.

Sutton and Arsenal line up before the game                   Sutton team, with Paul Scully MP, from team sponsors  

                                                                                The Nudge Factory 

Photo courtsey of Arsenal FC Community

Do you fancy being a Sutton United star of the future? We have now arranged trials for our colts teams for next season, with open trials being held on Saturday 21 May and Sunday 22 May for age groups from Under 7 through to Under 12, as well as Under 14 and Under 15, and for our girls' Under 12 and Under 13 teams.

For details of which team is holding trials on which day, and further information click here or contact Simon Harding on simonhsufc2013@yahoo.co.uk.  

Despite losing Kevin Amankwaah to a red card midway through the first half, the U's capitalised on a great start that had seen them race into a 2-0 lead to leapfrog their hosts into second place in the league table.

Dan Wishart grabbed the early goal before Craig Eastmond volleyed a second but even with the man advantage the Kent side were not able to break the U's down and the U's were good value for their win. Even a late consolation for the home side, when an overhit cross flew into the net, couldn't take the gloss off the night for the U's.

Full report with photos here.

Sutton's Youth Team clinched the Ryman Youth League Central Division title with three games to spare tonight with a 5-2 win at Chipstead. Reyon Dillon and Dylan Burke-Hamilton put Sutton in front early in the game and Jack Strange added a third before the interval but there was time for the home side to pull a goal back, then Aidan Brown and Callum Phillip extended the lead early in the second half whilst Chipstead scored their second on the hour-mark. Match report here.

The Youths travel to Dorking Wanderers next Wednesday evening, 13th April, 7.45pm kick-off.

Yesterday saw the club induct the latest three members of our Hall Of Fame. The presentations were made by former Supporters' Club Chairman Steve Millington, whose family history with the club spans some eight decades, who originally proposed this idea for honouring the people who have helped forge the history of Sutton United.

Yesterday's inductees were surely a worthy group, with a collection of league titles, cup finals and FA Cup glory that are writ large across the pages of our history book.

Left to Right: Steve Millington, Mark Golley, Nigel Golley, Dave Roffey, Dave Farebrother

Dave Roffey's time with the club roughly spans the era of Sid Cann as manager and his 403 appearances included two appearances at Wembley in the FA Amateur Cup Final, the club's first Isthman League title and a 4th round FA Cup tie against the mighty Leeds United of Don Revie.

Mark Golley is likewise associated with the Barrie Williams era. Already a first teamer at 18, Mark could play anywhere he was asked and was just as happy making last-ditch tackles as he was rippling the net at the other end, which he achieved exactly 100 times. Mark featured strongly in the championship wins of 1985 and '86 as well as most of the club's other successes of that decade, including scoring the goal in the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough.

Many of Nigel Golley's 680 appearances were made alongside his brother (453 appearances) but his career spanned managers from Williams through to John Rains. Another who could play in a variety of roles, Nigel shared in most of the same honours as his brother but also featured in the FA Cup win over Coventry and other giantkilling feats under Alan Gane and lies 4th in the all-time appearances list.

Lightning struck again in today's Strikers are Key draw as ball 41 emerged from the purple velvet bag for the second time in three weeks.

This time, however, Gerard Mills ( owner of ball 41), was unable to pick the right key to relieve the safe of its contents, winning himself the £50 consolation prize along the way.

There will be TWO Strikers are Key draws on Sat 16th April, covering the forthcoming matches v Bishop's Stortford on Monday 11th and, of course, Ebbsfleet on that day. The first draw will have a minimum of £650 up for grabs, and the second one will have either £850 ( minimally) or £200 depending on the outcome of the first draw. Plus of course £50 per goal scored by nominated strikers along the way!

.....See you then when all will become clear!

AB

Two goals in the space of five second half minutes saw U's come from behind to claim all three points on a day when Ebbsfleet and Maidstone both also won. Trailing to Nathaniel Pinney's 27th minute goal after an indifferent first half, U's stormed back in the second half and after Dan Fitchett had turned Dan Wishart's cross in for the equaliser Bedsente Gomis headed the winner from a corner headed back across goal by Louis John. Full report with photos here.

Sutton went to within 2 points of the Ryman Youth League Central Division title tonight with a 6-0 victory over Woking at Gander Green Lane. Aidan Brown and a Reyon Dillon penalty put Sutton two goals up early in the game and an own goal and Callum Phillip strike doubled the scoreline before half-time. Phillip added his second late in the game before Tom Mallett rounded off the scoring in the closing stages. Match report here.

Congratulations to Elliot Anderson and Jordan Watson-Brown who both made their 50th appearances for Sutton's Youth Team tonight.

Sutton can clinch the league title on Monday evening with a win at Chipstead, 7.30pm kick-off.

At the recent Sutton Community Awards for 2015, we were delighted to hear that Steve King, one of our community officers and manager of our Community Yeam was named as runner-up for his work with the Met Police and the Sutton United Communty Team. 

Steve has been the driving force behind our successful pan-disability team and fully deserves the recognition. Many congratulations Steve from everyone at the club.

Many congratulations to Harry Evans, one of the regulars in the @suttonunited Community Team, after his successful England FA Pathway trial. 

Harry was successfully accepted onto the England FA Talent Pathway and he will now receive 6 weeks of assessments and elite training and then, if he gets through this stage, he will represent the South East region. Finally there will be 22 weeks of training and then hopefully a call-up for the England U16 squad. 

According to his manager, Steve King, "Harry is an extremely talented player and we fully expect him to do Sutton United proud in his ambitions to play for the South East and then hopefully England." "I have spoken to his father, who wanted to thank everybody at the club for the support and encouragement Harry has received.  Personally, I think Harry has every chance and I would be surprised if he does not progress to the next stage.  All of his teammates are very proud and fully behind him."

Manager Paul Doswell has been named March's Vanarama Manager of the Month for the South Division of the National League after overseeing a fourth consecutive unbeaten month in league football.  Our congratulations to Paul on winning the award for the second time this season - although keen to underline that it is a team effort Paul was pictured with the trophy alongside assistants Micky Stephens and Ian Baird.

The player of the month award in the division went to St Albans striker Louie Theophanous.

After an entertaining draw with Sussex opposition on Monday, Sutton face another team from the county tomorrow when Eastbourne Borough make the trip to Gander Green Lane, kick off 3pm. After rescuing a point which looked unlikely with half an hour to go on Monday, U's will go in to tomorrow's game with confidence, looking to put further pressure on Ebbsfleet and Maidstone, who are respectively away to Hayes & Yeading and St Albans, Maidstone visiting a side whose only defeat in the last six games came against Sutton at the start of March.

Sutton have had the better of things against Eastbourne in past meetings at Gander Green Lane, beaten just once in the eight games, but it was a tight affair at Langney in October, when the sides drew 1-1. Eastbourne are in mid-table, looking unlikely to feature in the playoffs but looking to have enough points to be comfortably safe from trouble, but with ex-U's Jamie Taylor, Jack Evans, Kane Haysmand and Gavin McCallum all possibly in their line-up tomorrow they will be keen to make life difficult for Sutton, who welcome Craig Eastmond back after suspension but who now have to make do without Dean Beckwith for this game and the visit to Maidstone after his 10th booking in the last minute at Gosport.

You can see Paul Doswell, Jamie Collins and Tom Bolarinwa looking ahead to the game here

Before the game tomorrow the three latest inductees to the Sutton United Hall of Fame will receive their citations in the main stand, and there will be plenty of former favourites at the game as we celebrate another 'Legends Day'.

The lunchtime Premier League game sees Aston Villa at home to Chelsea, and that will be on the TVs at the club, kick off 12.45pm.

Sutton's Youth Team ran out 5-3 winners in their Ryman Youth League Central Division encounter tonight at Woking. Dinos Kalognomas, playing his 50th match for the Youth Team, and a Dylan Burke-Hamilton penalty scored early in the match before Woking pulled a goal back from the penalty spot after half an hour, then Darnell Austin added a third soon after half-time. Woking pulled another goal back but two Reyon Dillon strikes sandwiched around a further home goal were enough to secure all three points. Match report here.

The return fixture sees Woking visit Gander Green Lane on Friday evening, 7.45pm kick-off.

SAK draw number seventeen of the season duly took place in the Players' Bar after today's match v Whitehawk.It was ball number 13's turn to emerge from the purple velvet bag, the ball owned by the syndicate " Lucky 13s", comprising Mark Donohue, Sarah Aitchison, Susie Jones, Andy K and Mark Bravery.

In their absence, birthday boy and goalscorer today, Dan Fitchett, stepped forward to choose a key on their behalf. Sadly he was unable to pick the right one, winning the syndicate the £50 consolation prize which all means a minimum of £450 will be up for grabs on Saturday v Eastbourne.

Onwards and upwards.

A good gate of 1089 this afternoon and a good take-up too on 2016/17 season-tickets, we have now hit the 200 sold mark. Don't forget, you have less than four more weeks in which to buy your great value ticket for next season before the price goes up. It's currently just £99 for adults, and just £85 if you are renewing a current season ticket, with concessions at £75, teens £20 and kids just £10. 

For details, and to buy on-line, go to  http://www.suttonunited.net/news.php#3365

A great fightback from 2-0 down, with Jamie Collins almost grabbing a late winner from a free-kick that was pushed on to the inside of the post by Whitehawk keeper Craig Ross, saw the U's marginally improve their position at the top of the Vanarama National League South table as leaders Ebbsfleet also drew and Maidstone were beaten 3-0.  Bedsente Gomis began the fightback before Dan Fitchett netted the equaliser.

Full report and photos here.

Sutton completed an outstanding trio of away wins this afternoon when goals from Ross Stearn and Tom Bolarinwa earned a 2-0 win at Truro, who were suffering their first home defeat since August. U's are now six points behind leaders Ebbsfleet with three games in hand, although Maidstone's 2-1 win against Hemel Hempstead kept them in second place. More good news was that Jamie Collins returned to action for the first time since the FA Trophy defeat at Bognor, coming on as a second half substitute for Stearn, while recent absentees Shaun Cooper and Dan Fitchett also appeared before the end. Report here. 

Team: Worner, Amankwaah, Wishart, Beckwith, Bailey, John. Bolarinwa (Cooper), Gomis, Dundas, Slabber(Fitchett), Stearn (Collins)

We are making it even easier for you to buy your great value 2016/17 season ticket.  Adrian and Tony will be manning a stall inside the stadium at the GGL end for Monday's game at home to Whitehawk where you can place your order. Cash, cheques and cards accepted.

If you have already bought your season ticket, it can be collected from Jenny Graham on Monday or at any subsequent home match.

Season Ticket Details - Priority Applications

We can confirm the signing of two goalkeepers as back up to Ross Worner as the season reaches its crucial last month. 21-year-old Denzel Gerrar has joined after being released by Southern League Histon. He was previously at Millwall. Also joining on a youth loan from Reading is 19-year-old Lewis Ward, who helped the Royals to the FA Youth Cup semi finals two seasons ago.

Sutton's Youth Team won the Surrey Under-18s Midweek Floodlit Cup for an unprecedented fourth successive season tonight with a 4-1 victory over AFC Croydon Athletic at Molesey. Reyon Dillon opening the scoring in the first minute and went on to claim his hat-trick with a further two goals in the second half, before The Rams pulled a goal back but Dylan Burke-Hamilton wrapped up the scoring with the last kick of the game. Match report here, and photos here.

Sutton return to Ryman Youth League action on Tuesday evening visiting Woking, 7.30pm kick-off at Kingfield.

Unique Turned Pens is a new member of the Sutton United Community Business Network and is pleased to offer Sutton supporters great prices for the company's individually hand-turned wooden or acrylic pens, which can come in the club's colours. For details, and the full selection click here. 

All pens come with a velvet bag a spare refill and a certificate of authenticity, and are available with or without engraving.

A first-half penalty by Bedsente Gomis and a strike late in the second half by Louis John brought the U's their second win inside three days, although they suffered a further injury blow when Ryan Burge was forced to leave the field. Full report, with photos, here and Paul Doswell's verdict here.

We have been advised by our supplier, Heineken, of an increase in wholesale prices for beers and spirits. However, following discussions with Heineken and in recognition of the continued success of the Stadium Club it has been agreed to limit the increase to half of the original proposal. We would like to thank both Heineken and our loyal customers for their continued support.

Although the home side missed a penalty inside the opening minute, the U's were in control from the moment a great Ross Stearn volley put them ahead. Despite losing both Simon Downer and Dan Fitchett to injury during the first half, another great strike by Dan Wishart doubled the lead and, in the second half, the biggest question was how the U's failed to add to their advantage, with a string of chances going begging. Full report, with photos, here and SUFC TV highlights along with Paul Doswell's post match interview with SUFC TV here.

Our Community Team for pan-disability players continues to go from strength to strength and now has two great friendlies to look forward to , against Arsenal and Chelsea !

7th April   v Arsenal    3.30pm

16th April  v Chelsea   12.45pm   before our game at home to Ebbsfleet

Sutton begin a run of three tough away gams in the space of seven days looking for a first ever win at Gosport Borough's Privett Park tomorrow (kick off 3pm, travel details here). In and around the play-off zone for much of the season, Gosport have found the going harder recently, with just one win in their last seven league outings amidst reports of off-field problems, and goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore left to join league leaders Ebbsfleet. However they go in to tomorrow's game still in fifth place and with a five point cushion over Hemel Hempstead, Dartford and Maidenhead. They will want to avoid having the double completed over them by Sutton, having seen Ross Worner save two penalties when they lost 1-0 at Gander Green Lane in September.

Sutton manager Paul Doswell watched Maidstone move five points clear of U's on Tuesday with a last minute win at Weston-super-Mare, although Sutton have two games in hand over the Kent side, with the teams due to meet in the first week of April. There are no fresh injury worries after Tuesday's Surrey Senior Cup exit against Godalming, and Dan Wishart and Bedsente Gomis could both feature in the squad following suspension and illness respectively.

You can see Paul and Bedsi looking ahead to the game, along with Dan Spence, here, courtesy of SUFC TV.

If you can't make it to Gosport, Sutton Common Rovers have a home game against Chertsey at Gander Green Lane, kick off 3pm.

Slimming World is at Sutton United FC every Wednesday at 10am, 5.30 pm and 7.30pm. To get a voucher for free membership of your local Slimming World, buy this week's Bella magazine, on sale from Tuesday 15th March to Monday 21st March.

Sutton were knocked out of the Surrey Senior Cup by Godalming in tonight's semi final despite taking an early lead through Tom Bolarinwa. A Jack Strange own goal brought Godalming level, the visitors going on to add goals from Danny Bassett and Chris Musgrove. Godalming will play Merstham in the final after their 3-1 win at Woking. Full report and photos here.

I was pleasantly surprised by how many supporters came up to me on Saturday to thank the club for the 2016-17 season-ticket offer.   

We have been delighted at how well the scheme has worked this season, it has clearly paid off in terms of increased attendances and in giving the team the support they deserve, and it didn't take the directors long to decide to continue with the policy for next season.  Of course, we are all hoping  that next season might see us in the Vanarama National League, which would mean an additional two home games; making the offer even better value. Furthermore, if we were to be promoted that would influence our pricing policy for next season, hence the deadline we have placed on the new offer.  So the current window of opportunity is the chance for fans to snap up a great value season-ticket for next season, knowing that if we did go up it would represent even better value.

I am told that yesterday was a record-breaking day in terms of sales, so that is encouraging. I'd certainly hope that most, if not all, the people who bought a season ticket this time around would want to renew, I think everyone must be pleased with the entertainment that has been delivered so far this season and the last quarter of the season promises to be really exciting.

Bruce

FINALLY!!

The Strikers are Key safe relinquished control of its contents today; the correct key was selected and the safe's contents, worth an enormous £3,850, were emptied at long last.

Who won the booty you ask?

Well; ball 41 was pulled out of the purple velvet bag, the ball owned by Sutton stalwart " Millsy", Gerard Mills, and yes he duly selected to safe-cracking key and won the record- breaking sum.Congratulations to Millsy - just when we were all beginning to think the ever-growing amount would never be won!

We start again on Easter Monday v Whitehawk.

See you then.

Up the U's!

On a bizarre day in the Vanarama National League South when the top three drew and the five teams immediately behind them all lost, Sutton failed to take a string of chances against a resolute Weston-super-Mare defence at Gander Green Lane. Full report with photos here, and SUFC TV's highlights and interview with Paul Doswell here. 

Gander Green Lane stages a game of importance at both ends of the Vanarama National League South table tomorrow when Weston-super-Mare are the visitors, as much in need of points at teh foot of the table as U's are in their quest to reel in leaders Ebbsfleet and second placed Maidstone, who moved above Sutton on Tuesday with a win at Oxford City. Indeed Weston can have quite an impact on the championship race over the next fortnight, as after tomorrow they entertain Maidstone on Tuesday, play the return fixture in Kent next Saturday and then host Ebbsfleet at Woodspring Park on Good Friday.

A run of nine games without defeat either side of Christmas seemed to have lifted the West Country side away from trouble, but four defeats in their last five games, most recently at fellow strugglers St Albans on Tuesday, have pulled them back in to trouble and they come to Sutton tomorrow occupying the third relegation place, a point behind Havant but with two games in hand. However last Saturday's defeat of Dartford suggested that they are capable of matching sides in the higher reaches of the table, and they do have a good record at Sutton, having won on five of their eight visits.

Sutton will again be without Dan Wishart, who completes his two match ban, and Craig McAllister and Jamie Collins remain on the injured list but otherwise manager Paul Doswell hopes to select from a full squad. You can see Paul, and defender Simon Downer, looking ahead to the weekend games with SUFCtv's Tom Mitchell here.

Following the terrific support the club has received from our wonderful supporters this season, we are delighted to announce a very special offer for the 2016/17 season (valid for whichever division we play in!).

As a big “thank you” to this season’s season ticket holders, we are offering a special, reduced rate to adults who bought a 2015/16 season ticket, and we are freezing prices for concessions, teenagers and kids. We really are all IN IT TOGETHER!

NB. These season ticket prices are only valid if you buy on or before Saturday 14th May, after which prices WILL increase. So, take advantage of these sensational prices, which are available for this limited time ONLY, and buy your season ticket NOW for what promises to be a hugely exciting 2016/17 season.

Here are the details: (season tickets are valid for ALL 23 home League games and ALL home pre-season friendlies) 

Adults - £125

Concessions (60+ year olds; students 19+ year olds in full time education; persons on jobseekers’ allowance) - £95

Teenagers (13-19 year olds) - £20

Kids (12 year olds and under) - £10 

Please see www.suttonunited.net/seasontickets  for full details and to complete an application form which is also attached here.

Payment can be made by cash, cheque (made payable to Sutton United FC), on-line at www.suttonunited.net/seasontickets, in person to the office at Gander Green Lane and by credit/debit card and returned to the address featured on the form. Alternatively you can also e mail the form to seasontickets@suttonunited.net  

NB. Please allow a minimum of two to three weeks for the tickets to be despatched.

These prices are only valid for ALL SUFC fans until Sat 14th May after which prices WILL rise. Buy the hottest ticket in town; the offer of the year NOW. Don’t delay!

Ryan Burge made it three goals in two games with a goal in each half, and Dean Beckwith scored his first goal for Sutton as U's eased to a 3-0 win at St Albans this afternoon to retain second place in the Vanarama National League South. Full report with photos here, and Paul Doswell talks to SUFC TV's Tom Mitchell here. 

Two months after a comprehensive victory over St Albans at Gander Green Lane, Sutton travel to Clarence Park for the return fixture tomorrow. Since that meeting Ian Allinson, who guided Boreham Wood to ptomotion last season, has taken over in charge at St Albans and they recorded their first win under his management, and their first in twelve Vanarama National League South games, in some style last Saturday when they hammered Whitehawk 6-0. Despite that, though, they remain in the bottom two, above Basingstoke only on goal difference and eight points adrift of 19th placed Havant & Waterlooville.

Sutton go in to the game in 2nd place, eleven points behind Ebbsfleet with three games in hand after the Kent side were held to a draw by Havant on Tuesday. Jamie Slabber returned to the club this week and U's will hope that he can recapture the form that saw him score 16 goals in his previous spell at Sutton two seasons ago. One absentee tomorrow will be Dan Wishart, who begins a two match suspension after his sending of at Basingstoke last month.

SUFC TV's Tom Mitchell and Tom Phillips caught up with Jamie, as well as manager Paul Doswell and recent signing Ryan Burge, to look forward to the weekend's action and you can see the interviews here.

There is a game at Gander Green Lane tomorrow with Sutton Common Rovers at home to Spelthorne Sports in the Combined Counties League, kick off 3pm.

A Callum Phillip hat-trick helped Sutton to another three points tonight at Chertsey Town as they extended their lead at the top of the Ryman Youth League Central Division table to eight points. Phillip opened the scoring before Dylan Burke-Hamilton and Aidan Brown added further first half strikes, and despite the home side pulling a goal back midway through the second half, Phillip went on to claim his hat-trick late in the game. Match report here.

The next Youth match is away at Chipstead next Wednesday 9th March, 7.30pm kick-off.

The National League (in association with sponsors Vanarama) has released details of ticket information for their annual flagship final at Wembley Stadium connected by EE which will kick off at 4pm on Sunday 15th May 2016. 

This year ALL ticket sales will be handled directly by Wembley Stadium and will be available for the first time with an option for 'Print at Home' (PAH). 

Tickets will ONLY be available to purchase on-line and are priced as follows: 

EARLY BIRD - up to and including 31st March:

Adults: £20

Seniors (Over 60): £10

Under 16: FREE **

(** 1 free U16 ticket can be ordered for each ticket sold at Adult or Senior price).

Additional tickets for Under 16 over the above allowance can be purchased at £5 each. 

Early Bird sales are made even more attractive as no booking fee is charged.

Please be advised no ticket is refundable once purchased. 

Disabled seated allocation is available directly through Wembley Stadium and details are also available on-line. 

GENERAL ADMISSION SALE - date available to be announced:

Category 1: £41 (no concessions)

Category 2: £36 and £18 (Under 16's)

These ticket sales will be subject to a booking fee. 

For both General Admission and Early Bird sales, postage will be charged at:

£2.50 per order or £1 for all PAH sales. 

WEMBLEY TICKET PORTAL: https://events.wembleystadium.com/Online/default.asp 

Note:

Early Bird tickets will NOT be available to purchasers either by post or available via PAH until the two competing finalist clubs are confirmed. This will allow for seated allocation to be made in blocks for any group of supporters of a club wishing to be in the same area. 

In order for this to be offered, when on-line transactions are made the purchaser will be required to nominate which National League member club they align themselves to or they may indicate a ‘No Preference’ option. 

Supporters of the two clubs reaching the Promotion Final will be allocated their tickets for the correct area of the stadium allotted to each finalist club. 

Paul Doswell is delighted to announce the return of striker Jamie Slabber, after finally getting Hemel Hempstead's agreement to loan the striker until the end of the season and through the play-offs if required.  Jamie was with the club two seasons ago before helping Bromley to the Vanarama National League South championship last season.

"We enquired immediately after Craig McAllister's injury at Chelmsford, but Dean Brennan was clear he wanted to keep him. I spoke to Dean again after our match recently, and he said he would consider our approach and speak to Jamie. I am grateful to Dean for allowing this important loan move to happen, and it shows the good relationship between the clubs, which includes us helping Hemel with Louis John's loan to them.

Once Jamie was aware of our interest, he was extremely keen to return as it was only a change of job that led to him leaving us when he did to sign for Bromley. Thankfully he's now able to train Tuesday and Thursday daytimes, as he's now self-employed. Jamie has already scored 14 league goals this season, and has scored in Hemel Hempstead's cup games as well, and his predatory instincts in the box are vital in tight and important games. He's a different type of forward from Dan and Craig, but would complement either if paired together. With the exception of signing a goalkeeper should Ross get injured this is the final piece of the jigsaw to give us plenty of depth to the squad for a very challenging run in, which includes the Surrey Senior Cup and potentially three play-off games. This would mean playing eighteen games in a little over two months, and I feel the recent additions at such a crucial stage of the season are sensible, and will be a massive boost to us.''

Sutton's Youth Team thrashed local rivals Carshalton Athletic 7-1 tonight at Gander Green Lane and in doing so went five points clear at the top of the Ryman Youth League Central Division with two games in hand over this evening's opponents who currently occupy second spot in the league. Reyon Dillon put Sutton in front early in the game and Aidan Brown doubled the scoreline before Carshalton pulled a goal back shortly before the interval, but moments later Dillon added his second of the match. Callum Phillip extended the lead after Dillon saw his penalty saved, in the lead up to which Carshalton were reduced to ten men, and in the closing stages Darnell Austin and Brown goals sandwiched Dillon's hat-trick strike. Match report here.

Congratulations to Jack Strange and Aidan Brown tonight who both made their 50th appearance for Sutton's Youth Team.

Sutton can extend their lead at the top of the division on Thursday evening as they visit Chertsey Town.

Sutton moved back to second place in the Vanarama National League South table with an exciting win at home to Margate. Making his debut, Ryan Burge put U's ahead with a 25th minute free kick which goalkeeper Chris Lewington should have saved, but the keeper redeemed himself soon afterwards, saving Dan Fitchett's penalty. Tom Bolarinwa added a brilliant second nine minutes before the interval, scoring from 35 yards after a clearance from Lewington landed at his feet, and two goals in three minutes around the hour mark, a second penalty this time converted by Bedsente Gomis and a superb move finished stylishly by Fitchett. Christian Jolley grabbed a consolation goal three minutes from time, but Margate's afternoon ended badly when Lewis Taylor was sent off after the final whistle for comments made to an assistant referee. Full report here, and Paul Doswell's interview with SUFC TV here.

SUFC Academy in partnership with Nescot College, is delighted to be offering a host of BTEC Courses from September, expanding the choice from this year's option of Sport.Players can now qualify for selection at one of the scheduled trials, whilst considering a study programme which is perfectly suited to the needs and desires of each learner.For example, from September students can register on one of the following courses whilst training full time with the SUFC Academy programme: Tourism, Music Technology, Business, Art & Design, Creative Media and many more.

Marvin Williams, the former Sutton striker who helps run the Academy,said: ''We as an Academy are hugely excited by this news, not only does it guarantee our academy players will study a course they will enjoy alongside their football, but it also takes us as an academy a step closer to attracting more gifted and talented players without neglecting their academic needs or desires.'' Please click here  to view the extensive choices available.There will be open day on Wednesday 9th March (further details here). The event will be a great opportunity to visit the fantastic new site, and meet with our Academy staff to discuss the football programme.

Paul Doswell is delighted to announce the signing of 27-year-old Ryan Burge on a deal until the end of next season. Paul said

"Ryan is an extremely talented player who can play in a number of midfield positions and gives us the naturally left footed player that we have been searching for. He has achieved promotion with Port Vale, and comes highly recommended by Jimmy Dack who worked with Ryan at Newport County.

He made us aware of his interest,and living in Sutton was an added attraction to us signing him for the rest of this campaign and next season.He has trained really well for the last two weeks,and has fitted into the squad really well.

We have applied for international clearance to the Welsh FA and hope to include Ryan in the squad as soon as possible.

Sutton's Youth Team reached the Surrey Under-18s Midweek Floodlit Cup Final tonight for the fourth successive season as they overcame Raynes Park Vale 3-0 at Grand Drive. Reyon Dillon opened the scoring shortly before half-time, before Callum Phillip and Aidan Brown sealed the win early in the second half. Match report here.

Sutton will face Croydon Athletic, who beat Metropolitan Police after extra-time in the other semi-final, in the Final that will be played at Molesey FC on Wednesday 23rd March.

Meanwhile the Youths can take a giant leap towards the Ryman Youth League Central Division title on Monday if they beat second-placed Carshalton Athletic at Gander Green Lane, 7.45pm kick-off.

We have a number of offers from the Sutton Business Club this month which are available to anyone connected to Sutton United FC. Click here for full details.

A second half goal by Sam Doswell was enough to give Sutton victory against Knaphill tonight, U's joining Merstham in the semi finals with two quarter finals still to be played. Full report and photos here. 

Two late goals, including a freak injury-time equaliser by goalkeeper Jamie Butler, whose wind-assisted clearance bounced over Ross Worner in to the net, denied Sutton three points in wet and windy conditions at Vauxhall Road. Tom Bolarinwa gave U's an early lead which was doubled by Dan Fitchett just before the hour, but Micheal Richens' low strike gave the home side hope before Butler's huge clearance tied up the scores three minutes in to stoppage time. Full report with photos here and highlights from SUFC TV, along Paul Doswell's views here.

Team: Worner, Amankwaah, Wishart, Beckwith, Eastmond, Downer, Bolarinwa(Fleetwood), Gomis, Dundas, Fitchett(Wright),Stearn.

Every Wednesday from 9th March, Slimming World will make a home at Sutton United.

Goals either side of half-time by Ross Stearn and Dan Fitchett, from a penalty after he had been brought down, earned the U's three vital points as they moved into second place in the Vanarama National League South. The home side grabbed a last-minute consolation after Dan Wishart had been sent off for a second yellow card.

Full report with photos here, and Paul Doswell's views here.

Sutton's Youth Team bounced back from their disappointing defeat at Met Police with a 4-0 victory tonight over Chipstead at Gander Green Lane. Two goals from Aidan Brown and a Callum Phillip header effectively sealed the points by half-time, before Phillip added his second late in the match. Match report here.

Next up for the Youths is the Surrey Under-18s Midweek Floodlit Cup Semi-Final at Raynes Park Vale on Thursday evening, 7.45pm kick-off.

Click here for SUFC TV's highlights of Saturday's draw against Bath City.

Despite a goal after just 80 seconds by Ross Stearn, Sutton were forced to settle for a point today against Bath. Eliot Richards converted a penalty two minutes before half time to end a run of five consecutive defeats for the visitors.

Full report with photos here, and Paul Doswell's interview with SUFC TV here 

Team: Worner, Amankwaah, Wishart, Beckwith, Eastmond, Downer, Fleetwood(Bolarinwa), Gomis(Dillon), Dundas, Fitchett(Wright), Stearn.

Another excellent performance from our Community Team with a hat trick from Taylor and further goals from Leconte (2) and Cheeseman to overcome a strong Brentford side.

Sutton United's great new 3G pitch now has it's own dedicated website:-   

www.sufc3g.co.uk

Bobby Childs & Wayne Shaw , the club's Business Development Team, are delighted to have a dedicated website to promote the 3G pitch. "It has taken a little longer to launch than we had hoped but it has been worth the wait and we are really pleased with how it looks and works.  It is vital that such a top quality facility is easy to discover, research and book. Everyone who uses it says what a great surface it is to play on plus, unlike a lot of 3G facilities, we offer the whole stadium experience and even if you are only 5 or 55 years old it's like playing at Wembley!"

www.sufc3g.co.uk

We are pleased to confirm the appointment of Leonard Fom as our new Club Chaplain.

Leonard has lived in Sutton for 10 years is married with 5 children. He is a keen sports fan and enjoys seeing how sports impact individuals, teams and communities.  As a Christian, Leonard loves to see how his faith can impact individuals and community through sport. He recently set up a basketball development/mentoring project on the Loughborough Estate in Brixton at the Evelyn Grace Academy Secondary School.

Leonard currently trains part-time with London City Mission ( www.lcm.org.uk) and is excited coming onboard to get involved at SUFC as the club's chaplain.  

Paul Doswell is delighted to welcome Leonard to the club. "People underestimate how stressful life can be for a semi-professional footballer.  Results and performances matter to individuals every bit as much as  they do in the top divisions but, of course, players at this level also have to cope with the pressures of work, or the lack of it, and having someone available to talk to, confidentially, is always welcome."  

Bruce Elliott added "It's a while since we had a chaplain here but with the significant growth in terms of the number of teams we field and all of our community activities, it's probably overdue.  I am sure Leonard will find his work here interesting and we hope it is also enjoyable."  

Leonard also has his own page on our website.

Our season ticket campaign and other promotions have proved so successful that we have caused ourselves a problem, a nice problem to have; our mailing list has outgrown the simple Outlook-based approach we have been using.  

After exploring our options, we have decided to switch to Mailchimp, which is one of the most widely used mailing services.  Many of our supporters and followers will have already received an email from the club in the last week or two inviting them to sign up for the new service.  If you have received the invitation but have not yet signed up, please do so as this will enable us to keep you better informed about all of the exciting things that happen at the club.   

If you have not received an invitation to join our Mailchimp family, please follow this link http://eepurl.com/by6mFf to sign-up.   

We will principally be using Mailchimp to send out weekly newsletters but it will also enable us to send out notices of meetings and other pieces of information.  Don't forget that you will always have the option to unsubscribe from the service.  

We are pleased to offer local buisness the chance to play on our magnificent new 3G pitch.

Sutton United FC fully supports the National League’s new Smoke No Joke campaign to reduce and eradicate the indiscriminate use of flares, smoke bombs and pyrotechnics at matches.

Flares and smoke bombs disrupt play and people’s enjoyment of games, and the toxins they contain can seriously damage health and/or cause life-threatening injury or concern.  Due to their chemical make-up, pyrotechnic devices can lead to serious health consequences for those with pre-existing medical conditions. 

Clubs have been directed to take the strongest action available against anyone found in possession of a Flare, Smoke Bomb or any other such pyrotechnic article(s), and spectators are warned that a zero tolerance approach will be taken to anyone attempting to bring such article(s) into The Borough Sports Ground

In order to protect all supporters, we reserve the right to search your person and/or effects, and we further reserve the right to pursue legal action, civil or criminal, against any person who contravenes current legislation or our stadium regulations.

To further safeguard all supporters and players we would welcome the receipt of any information which could assist us to deter, apprehend, detain and, where appropriate, prosecute anyone in possession of, or found discharging or being a party to the discharge of, such an article. Courts have a sentencing guideline of three months’ imprisonment and a three-year football banning order. Those prosecuted face not only a criminal record and imprisonment but also many future difficulties, including restrictions on travel overseas.

Please support The U’s safely and responsibly this season.

Our new 3G is getting rave reviews, but like any surface there are some types of footwear that suit it better than others. If you might be playing on the pitch, please see the guide below for what is suitable and what is not allowed. Also, please ensure your boots are clean - 3G and mud don't mix !

We have a dedicated website under construction but, in the meantime, anyone wanting to enquire about hiring our 3G pitch should contact:  

Bobby Childs 

Business Development Manager 

Sutton United FC 

The Borough Sports Ground  

Gander Green Lane 

Sutton  Surrey. SM1 2EY   

EMail - bobby@sufc3g.co.uk 

Phone - 07966 391761