Match ends, Sutton United 3, Accrington Stanley 1.
Sutton United breathed life back into their survival quest with a victory over Accrington that lifted them off the bottom of League Two.
Goals from Harry Smith, Omar Sowunmi and Nino Adom-Malaki did the damage as United claimed back-to-back league wins for the first time this season.
Jake Bickerstaff bagged an 85th-minute consolation but the hosts deserved their first home win since November.
The visitors twice went close in the first 15 minutes as Dan Martin's shot across goal just evaded Josh Woods, who was then sent clear but was unable to beat Steve Arnold in the Sutton goal.
However, Sutton went in front when Smith reached a Charlie Lakin pass just before onrushing goalkeeper Jack McIntyre and slotted into the empty net.
Arnold made a fine reaction stop from Joe Pritchard, while Olly Sanderson headed over for Sutton from a Josh Coley cross and then saw McIntyre beat away his shot after Smith's neat flick had sent him through.
McIntyre frustrated Sanderson again early in the second half, acrobatically tipping away a fierce volley, and also saved from Smith but Sutton doubled their lead midway through the half when Lakin's corner ended up in the net with Sowunmi claiming the final touch.
If that goal was a bit untidy, it was in contrast to Adom-Malaki's first Sutton goal six minutes later - a superb dipping volley from the corner of the penalty area to wrap up a fine win despite Bickerstaff's effort.
Match report supplied by PA Media.
Line-ups
Sutton United
Formation 4-2-3-1
- 25Arnold
- 23Jackson
- 4Sowunmi
- 22Kizzi
- 42Hart
- 31Lakin
- 10Beautyman
- 7ColeySubstituted forPatrickat 82'minutes
- 38SandersonSubstituted forN'Guessanat 82'minutes
- 3Adom-Malaki
- 9SmithBooked at 32minsSubstituted forTumeat 90+2'minutes
Substitutes
- 6John
- 8N'Guessan
- 11Patrick
- 15Eastmond
- 30Kerbey
- 35Taylor
- 43Tume
Accrington
Formation 4-2-3-1
- 61McIntyre
- 4Mellor
- 5Hills
- 16Gubbins
- 38O'Brien
- 22MartinSubstituted forWoodsat 82'minutes
- 18Leigh
- 17NolanSubstituted forBickerstaffat 82'minutes
- 10PritchardSubstituted forHendersonat 45'minutes
- 7Whalley
- 39WoodsSubstituted forAdedoyinat 45'minutesBooked at 90mins
Substitutes
- 1Savin
- 2Shipley
- 8Woods
- 19Bickerstaff
- 28Conneely
- 30Henderson
- 55Adedoyin
- Referee:
- Tom Nield
- Attendance:
- 3,265
Match Stats
- Possession
- Home43%
- Away57%
- Shots
- Home14
- Away12
- Shots on Target
- Home10
- Away5
- Corners
- Home8
- Away3
- Fouls
- Home12
- Away11
Live Text
Post update
Full Time
Second Half ends, Sutton United 3, Accrington Stanley 1.
Post update
Attempt missed. Ben Woods (Accrington Stanley) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right.
Post update
Offside, Sutton United. Omari Patrick is caught offside.
Substitution
Substitution, Sutton United. Vinnie Tume replaces Harry Smith.
Booking
Korede Adedoyin (Accrington Stanley) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Post update
Foul by Korede Adedoyin (Accrington Stanley).
Post update
Sam Hart (Sutton United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Post update
Attempt saved. Alex Henderson (Accrington Stanley) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Ben Woods.
Post update
Corner, Sutton United. Conceded by Korede Adedoyin.
Goal!
Goal! Sutton United 3, Accrington Stanley 1. Jake Bickerstaff (Accrington Stanley) header from the right side of the six yard box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Korede Adedoyin.
Post update
Jake Bickerstaff (Accrington Stanley) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Post update
Foul by Omar Sowunmi (Sutton United).
Post update
Foul by Korede Adedoyin (Accrington Stanley).
Post update
Sam Hart (Sutton United) wins a free kick on the left wing.
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Attempt saved. Charlie Lakin (Sutton United) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner.
Post update
Offside, Accrington Stanley. Tommy Leigh is caught offside.
Substitution
Substitution, Sutton United. Christian N'Guessan replaces Oliver Sanderson.
Substitution
Substitution, Sutton United. Omari Patrick replaces Josh Coley.
Substitution
Substitution, Accrington Stanley. Ben Woods replaces Dan Martin.
Comments
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And great that U's wore a kit dedicated to fund raising for the Royal Marsden Hospital today - the largest cancer research centre in Europe, based in Sutton.
Much to admire about Sutton. 💛
current form suggests relegation next