Sutton & Epsom are bottom of National League Three London & South Easter after a fifth stright defeat at newly promoted Diss.

It was an abject performance, but there were extenuating circumstances with half of the first team squad unavailable through injury.

The set pieces were not a problem as Sutton’s scrimmaging was solid and their line out was much improved.

However, the plentiful possession which these provided was wasted as Sutton produced a wide variety of errors which ultimately presented the game to the opposition.

They did not follow the game plan, completely failed to make use of the strong wind at their backs in the first half and wasted good scoring opportunities including 2 penalties. To make matters worse they conceded too many penalties especially for holding on as their ball carriers regularly got isolated.

After early pressure Sutton took the lead on 15 minutes when their best forward, 22 year old flanker Ian White, made 35 metres followed by a charge and outrageous dummy from giant prop Graham Hill. When he was stopped Diss conceded a penalty under their posts and Frankie Murray kicked the three points.

Diss responded in kind 5 minutes later through full back Greg Gaugham.

The remainder of the half saw plenty of Sutton pressure but nothing to show for it as they turned down one easy penalty chance and missed another.

Eight minutes into the second period, Diss took the lead with another penalty from Gaugham and Sutton were pinned in their own half for long periods.

This told on 25 minutes when a poor Sutton clearance was pounced on by Diss’ winger Chris Beaird for an unconverted try. Under sustained pressure Sutton managed to hold out until inside the last 10 minutes but were then reduced to 14 men when lock Chris Endersby injured an ankle, after Sutton had used all their replacements.

Sadly the floodgates then opened as Diss added three more tries through Beaird, fellow winger Alex Kelsall and centre Warren Wilby.

All were converted by Gaugham to produce a final score which flattered the home side but consigned Sutton to bottom of the League table.

Next Saturday Sutton & Epsom are at home to Havant. Kick-up 3 pm at Rugby Lane, Cheam.