This was a contest stacked with goalmouth incident and was open throughout. From the outset, both sides played on the front foot and attacked with significant tempo. That said, the first credible effort came in the 15th minute when Sutton’s Danny O’Callaghan crashed a volley off the bar. It was an indication of the experienced midfielder’s intent as O’Callaghan frequently peppered Stour’s goal with a series of speculative long-range attempts.
A couple of minutes later and Stourbridge goalkeeper Ash Malhotra scrambled to gather the ball after Sutton had hit the post. From the resulting attack, Stourbridge went ahead as Jordan Archer slotted home.
Stourbridge doubled their lead, in the 20th minute, when Archer found Hague who held the ball up before supplying Drew Canavan who duly finished past James Wren.
With Sutton rocked, their response was impressive as they started to increase the tempo and were rewarded, just after the half hour, when the ball broke in the box for ex-Shrewsbury man Cameron Gayle to rifle into the right-hand corner.
Five minutes later and Sutton were level, a Josh Healey pile-driver left Malhotra reeling.
However, Sutton were shocked moments later when the referee inexplicably sent off striker Sean Geddes, who was making his debut for The Royals, after he was adjudged to have his raised his arm towards Archer. Geddes had lifted his arm in the direction of Archer but in an almost playful manner, and certainly with no malice. Archer milked the situation, only holding his face – which hadn’t been touched – when he had the referee’s attention. Geddes, an ex Glassboy, saw red and will miss key games.
Despite this setback, Sutton went into the interval ahead, after the outstanding O’Callaghan scored a long-range screamer.
HT: Sutton 3-2 Stourbridge
The second half maintained a similar intensity and Stourbridge equalised five minutes after the resumption. A Stour corner was headed away but met by defender Stuart Pierpoint who executed an amazing volley – the goal of the night, an accolade not to be underestimated given the quality of goals on display in this barnstorming cup tie.
O’Callaghan continued his shooting masterclass in the second half, hitting the post with another effort in the 57th minute. While Josh Green needed to head off the line a powerful header from Jacob Wedderburn. The value of having men on the post was evident there.
With the game now incredibly stretched, Stourbridge were in the ascendant and another goalline clearance denied the visitors.
Sutton still had chances on the counter, with O’Callaghan having a volley tipped over impressively from Malhotra, and then, somewhat ironically, O’Callaghan sidesteps one before producing his tamest effort of the night from the closest distance from goal.
The finishing became wayward – understandable after so much excellent execution – and the referee blew to signal penalties.
In the shootout, Josh Green had his pen saved superbly with one hand from Malhotra, giving Stour the advantage. Malhotra then saved Sutton’s fourth penalty and Stour converted theirs to seal a spot in the next round.
FT: Sutton Town 3-3 Stourbridge (Stourbridge win 4-2 on penalties).
The following day, I had a quick word with Sutton boss Richard Sneekes about how he is finding things: “(It was a) good entertaining game; we scored some really good team goals. The progression is there for all to see, and we will keep working hard in training and games.
Prior to the Stourbridge game, it was announced that Luke Rodgers would be leaving the club to join National League outfit Solihull Moors. Rodgers, who has stayed for over a year, has impressed the Sutton fans with his application, decision-making and technical ability. He scored two hat-tricks for the club and a number of other outstanding strikes. He’s been a big miss over the last couple of months, and signs off with a treble against Corby. We wish him well.
While Stuart McNaught, a central midfielder enjoying his second spell at the club, has left for Hednesford Town. The ex-Fairfax pupil also leaves with our best regards.
It has just been revealed today that Sutton have signed defender Dan Sweeney on loan from Kidderminster Harriers.
Sweeney could be unleashed for his debut tomorrow against Barwell. The Royals travel there for a 3pm kick-off, against a side sitting 13th in the league. A win could see Sutton climb out of the relegation zone. Recent displays will have heartened the Sutton faithful and, if Sutton are to stay up, winning away at mid-table sides should be seen as the target rather than being contented with a point. Town are unlikely to stay up by just picking up points here and there.
Before our next home league game (Buxton on the 17th), Sutton will travel to Coventry Sphinx on Wednesday, December 14th for a second round Birmingham Senior Cup tie. It’s the only cup competition we’re still in and a good run would be a nice distraction from the stress of the league battle.