Sutton United make the long haul to Halifax this Saturday hoping to bounce back from a bruising defeat at Bromley last Saturday.

Despite taking the lead through Brandon Thomas-Asante’s stunning 30-yard strike in the 22nd minute, the U’s paid for defensive lapses in the second half to lose the FA Trophy tie 2-1.

In the final minutes, United skipper Jamie Collins looked to have been brought down in the penalty area but the referee waved play on, much to the bemusement of the Sutton fans and coaching staff.

United boss Paul Doswell was understandably deflated having seen his side gift last year’s finalists two goals.

“We gave away two soft goals, two free headers,” he said.

“That puts you 2-1 down with a mountain to climb and once again we’ve not been given an absolute nailed-on, clear-cut penalty.

“Their players have come over to ours after the game and said ‘it’s a joke, we’ve got away with one’ and that’s us out the cup.

“Jamie Butler (goalkeeper) had to make very few saves, this is a game based upon us not defending two set pieces.”

Having seen his side take the lead, Doswell was forced to rejig his defence after Bradley Pearce received a nasty injury.

Pearce was replaced by Dean Beckwith who, together with Butler, allowed debutant JJ Hooper to head Bromley’s leveller in the 60th minute. Two minutes later George Porter stole in front of the Sutton defence to head what turned out to be the winner.

Sutton’s last victory was against Dagenham and Redbridge on November 3, a run of eight games without a win which has seen them knocked out of both the FA Cup and FA Trophy.

Despite their poor run, the U’s are still eighth in the National League going into Saturday’s showdown at the Shay with 16th-place Halifax.

United will have a chance to gain early revenge against Bromley when the Ravens come to Gander Green Lane on Boxing Day at 3pm. Aldershot are the visitors on Saturday, December 29.

Meanwhile, United have announced details of their half season ticket offer.

Half season tickets entitle the holder to 11 National League matches.

Ticket prices are as follows: 

£5 for youngsters aged 12 and under.
£10 Teenagers
£79 adults.
£65 concessions

Adult tickets are £79 and concessions £65


If you know someone who would love to enjoy watching their local team in a friendly, welcoming environment then visit suttonunited.net