RECENT IMPROVEMENT CONTINUES

United gaines their second home win of the season with a comfortable victory over Sutton Coldfield, our first ever win over the midlands side. We had come close at their place earlier this season but a late equaliser prevented that.

Not this time, however, the only likelyhood was further goals as United pressed hard in the second half following a solide first half display.

United looked well balanced with Michael Cooke rock steady in goal, Brendan McDaid and Sean Wright full of authority at the heart of the defence and full-backs, Terry Fleming and Craig Leverett in good form.

Leverett(pictured) has had two outstanding games since dropping in at left-back and in the second period he whipped in several great crosses.

In midfield Liam Bull was the anchor, breaking up any Sutton attacks and around him Jack McGovern and George Zuerner were lively and creative.

Up top, Sam Wilkinson was the pivot with Tom Garrick and briefly Chris Funnell dovetailing around the centre forward. Funnell, unforunately Funnell's game ended prematurely when he fell awkwardly and damaged his ankle ligaments. He was replaced by debutant, Jake Gibson who produced a sparkling display.

The only blemish on the performance came when skipper Brenny McDaid mad his only mistake with an underhit back-pass which was latched on to by Harry Harris to score after 18 minutes.

United responded quickly when a superb turn from Wilkinson left Sutton's defence exposed, he set up up Garrick who was flattened and from the resulting penalty Garrick levelled in the 23rd minute.

Funnell's season ended in the 28th minute and Gibson's began. United started to grow in confidence and built up ahead of steam. Sutton held firm until half-time.

United built upon their base and began to threaten the goal much more. Gibson went close and Garrick was a constant threat. After several openings United took the lead in the 65th minute with a scruffy goal. The ball was worked across and Garrick with his back to goal turned and scuffed a left-foot shot under Niall Cooper in the Sutton Coldfield goal.

Just 9 minutes later Gibson scored on his debut and the only surprise was that we didn't increase that lead.