Sutton United boss Paul Doswell has handed himself a one-match touchline ban to avoid a repeat of ugly scenes that marred last season’s clash at Tonbridge Angels.

The Gander Green Lane chief takes a side to Longmead this weekend for the first time since he squared up to opposition players and supporters during a 3-1 win at the same venue in February.

Doswell was sent to the stands late-on after clashing with Angels skipper Anthony Storey during a break in play, and the former Eastleigh manager will do everything to avoid further confrontation.

“I’ve got a funny feeling a few words will be said and I’m best keeping well away from it, so I will be sitting in the stands with my chairman,” he said.

“I’m passionate about football and Sutton, and their bench is quite vociferous. I wouldn’t want the red mist to descend again.

“My assistant Alan Payne will take charge of things. The players must stand up and be counted. With me out of the equation, they can do that.”