U’s slip to last-gasp defeat at Sutton

Sutton United v Colchester United – Sky Bet League Two – Gander Green Lane – Report

Sutton United 3-2 Colchester United

Relegation-haunted Colchester United twice surrendered the lead before slipping to a damaging Sky Bet League Two defeat at play-off hopefuls, Sutton United.

U’s supporters called for the resignation of Chairman, Robbie Cowling. However, the travelling fans had something to cheer about when Owura Edwards capped his debut with a spectacular strike from distance to hand Hayden Mullins’ men an early advantage.

Sutton swiftly responded. Isaac Olaofe levelled the score before the ten-minute mark. The Millwall loanee responded quickest after Omar Bugiel had hit an upright.

Colchester were back in front a minute before half-time. Louis John handled, providing the U’s leading marksman, Freddie Sears the opportunity to net his eleventh goal of the season from the resulting spot-kick.

But the U’s winless league sequence – now stretching back seven matches – continued. Olaofe nodded his second of the night to restore parity before Will Randall drove home a dramatic winner in stoppage-time, leaving the North Essex side cut adrift with Oldham and Scunthorpe at the wrong end of the league.

Colchester United return to Sky Bet League Two action on Saturday, January 22 when they face Salford City at the Peninsula Stadium (3pm).

Sutton United: Bouzanis, Goodliffe, John, Bugiel (Bennett 63′), Randall, Eastmond, Olaofe (Wilson 76′), Boldewijn (Korboa 74′), Kizzi, Milsom, Smith Subs not used: Barden, Wyatt, Davis, Nelson

Colchester United: Turner, Welch-Hayes, Chambers, Smith (Eastman 90′), Wiredu, Hannant, Skuse, Sears, Edwards (Nouble 72′), Dallison, Huws Subs not used: Gerken, Judge, Chilvers, Andrews, Coxe

Referee: Robert Lewis
Assistants: Daniel Bonneywell and Stephen Brown
Fourth Official: Stephen Finch