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match details & summary
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Sutton United FC
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1
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15/03/08
15:00
Gander Green Lane
Sutton
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Eastbourne Borough FC
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5
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Conference League Blue Square South
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Referee:
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M McLaughlin
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Attendance:
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490
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1 K Davies
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1 L Hook
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2 J Whisken
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2 A Ballard
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3 R Hughes
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3 N Jenkins
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4 J Scarborough (C)
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4 R Kember
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5 K El-Salahi
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5 J Lovett
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6 B Alimi
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6 M Pullan
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7 J Goodchild
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7 P Harding
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8 P Honey
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8 P Armstrong (C)
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9 L Wright
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9 A Atkin
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10 C Dundas
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10 S Ramsay
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11 J Johnson
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11 M Crabb
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Substitutes:
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12 T Hughes for 4 after 45
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12 D Baker
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14 B Dunn for 9 after 70
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14 M Smart for 8 after 70
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15 H Ottaway
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15 D Budd for 7 after 79
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16 T Cuff for 11 after 45
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16 A Tait for 9 after 68
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17 S Ball
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17 D Lightwood
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Goals:
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El-Salahi (83)
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Ramsay (3), Atkin (37, 67), Armstrong (46), Ballard (65)
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Bookings:
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Whisken, Honey
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Sent Off:
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Match Report:
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The Sports arrived at another venue where historically their results have not been the best. Gander Green Lane saw Boro lose late in the season as they pursued a play-off berth and the reverse contributed to the valiant failure; too many fixtures in the final month. The squad would leave the ground not only having buried the memory of that defeat but also top of the Blue Square South as the hosts were overwhelmed.
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Andy Ballard kept his place at the heart of the defence and would again have a fine game capped off with a goal. Darren Baker returned from suspension on a strong bench; accompanied by Matt Smart, Darren Budd, Allan Tait and Dean Lightwood.
The Sussex weather appeared to have missed this part of Surrey as the pitch appeared dry and dusty, but the visitors started with the mild breeze at their backs. Liam Wright caused some concern amongst the large number of Boro fans in attendance as he weaved his way towards Lee Hooks goal but the shot was wild and wide. Just moments later Boro nerves were further settled with Scott Ramsay latching onto a long Hook clearance finishing with a half-volley low past Kevin Davies for 1-0.
 The hosts battled well in the moments after the goal but to little effect and the best chances continued to fall to Boro. Andy Atkin nodded a Ballard delivery inches wide on 16 minutes and Pat Harding (above) delivered 2 crosses in quick succession into the Sutton area; no teammate able to apply a finish. Ramsay was again on the end of a wind assisted Hook clearance and again Sutton failed to deal. This time his shot was deflected behind for a corner. Matt Crabbs (left) delivery was cleared at the back-post but Paul Armstrongs low shot into the crowded area was cleverly deflected past Davies for 2-0 by Atkin.
In the closing minutes of the 1st half Crabb himself had a powerful shot blocked bravely but the hosts had opportunities to reduce the deficit as Wright was eventually halted by Neil jenkins as he bore down on goal and Rob Hughes failed to connect as a right-wing delivery found him unmarked in a dangerous position.
Ernie Howe made 2 changes at half-time in an attempt to salvage something from the fixture but almost direct from the kick-off Boro were 3 up. Harding played a flat ball into the area who found Armstrong unmarked at the front post; the Boro skipper having started the move; and he guided the ball home to effectively end the game and claim all 3 points. Craig Dundas did extremely well wide left and his cross allowed Jason Goodchild to strike for goal but the effort struck the bar and behind for a goal-kick; another opportunity to test Hook wasted by the home side.
Boro continued to pressure the Sutton goal and on 65 minutes Ballard grabbed his 2nd in 2 games when he met a Crabb corner with a thumping header allowing Davies no chance for 4-0. salt was further rubbed into the home sides wounds when 2 minutes later Ramsay and Crabb combined well to set-up Atkin for his 2nd of the game; unable to miss from a yard out and 5-0.
The 5th Boro goal heralded Suttons best moments with Harding forced to head over his own bar after a wonderful right-wing cross and a penalty claim during a goal-mouth scramble all coming to nothing for ‘The U’s’. Ballard cleared a fierce drive from Tony Cuff but the consolation came on 83 minutes when on-loan Karim El-Salahi swept the ball home as Boro failed to clear a throw-in.
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This woke Boro up and the closing moments should have seen the side extend their lead. Jenkins waltzed through the back-four but chose to pass rather than shoot, another effort from the No. 3 was deflected over the bar and Crabb again had an on target effort blocked but the final score remained 5-1.
The news of a 2-0 defeat for ‘The Rooks’ added to the good humour of the Boro fans as they left the ground, well aware of their position at the top of the table. However there are many points to play for as the season continues to unfold, and no doubt many difficult fixtures to negotiate.
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