The Zyklusgruppen mobbed up in the Portuguese cafe in Lind Road and after a rather pleasant lunch we mounted up and swept down like wolves on the fold onto Collingwood Rec. The turnout from the Carshalton faithful was the worst I can remember in terms of numbers - many supporters had, I guess, decided that they would rather not see the inevitable defeat or be present when Sutton paraded the Isthmian Trophy at full time. However, those that had shown up were in good spirits and got behind their team in a way that did them credit and many stayed behind after the game to watch the ceremony and offer their congratulations to the worthy league champions.
Ryman Premier League
Sutton United (1) 2 Carshalton Athletic (0) 0
(Orilonishe 37, Woods-Garness 70)
Attendance: 1367
By Peter Randall
After the temporary raising of spirits as a result of Saturday’s home win against Canvey, there was little chance that the Robins would seriously spoil the U’s Championship party. Once Sutton had broken through on 37 minutes, there was only one team was ever going to win and the difference in class between the teams became more apparent the longer the game went on.
Carshalton became the final team to fail to win at Gander Green Lane this season and, despite some decent performances by keeper Craig Ross and his fellow defenders that prevented a win becoming a rout, the home team had too much quality and strength to allow Carshalton to seriously threaten in midfield and up front. Sutton move onwards and upwards next season, but for the Robins the future direction of the team is far from certain.
It was no surprise that the early running came from Sutton, playing with no pressure and the championship already assured. Bradley Woods-Garness shot wide from a good position and Sam Page was just off target with his header from a free-kick by Tom Davis. Carshalton came close to taking a shock lead on 13 minutes when a mis-hit shot by Joel Ledgister left Kevin Scriven stranded, but the shot hit the post with Ledgister unable to get to the rebound. Tom Davis tried his luck from just outside the area with a shot that hit the bar, but there was still all to play for and Carshalton really should have done better when Michael Boateng spoilt an incisive run down the right flank by tamely putting his low cross too close to Scriven, with the ensuing corner being headed over by Tash Adeyanki. Sutton were winning most of the midfield contests without being able to prise open the Robins defence and the Robins again went close with another break, Adeyanki and Ledgister combining well on the left to give the tall striker a chance to lob Scriven, his effort just clearing the Sutton goal. A superb run by Craig Dundas ended with a fierce shot that Ross did well to tip over, but Sutton finally took the lead from the corner that followed. A well worked move ended with Fola Orilonishe shooting low past Ross with Dundas
The second half was dominated by Sutton who were rarely troubled by a game but tiring Carshalton team. Play became scrappy and by the midway point of the second half it was apparent that Sutton were playing with a gear to spare. Ross did well to hold a drive by Woods-Garness and Carshalton’s excursions forward became more infrequent with the visitors unable to get enough players in support to seriously threaten the home defence. A half-hearted penalty appeal by Anthony Joseph was turned down and on 70 minutes United removed any lingering doubts about another win when Woods-Garness scored the second, following up a shot by Orilonishe that came back off the post. Ross denied Sutton and Andy Forbes a third goal when he superbly blocked the substitute’s run on goal and the only remaining meaningful effort by Carshalton was a shot from the edge of the area by Ledgister that was safely held by Scriven.
Sutton have dominated these local derbies down the years, but it could be some time before the Robins get another chance to redress the balance.
Robins team: Craig Ross, Michael Boateng, Justyn Roberts, Dwain Williams, David Obaze, David Ray, Darren Bryan, Robbie Kember (Paris Hamilton-Downes), Tashan Francis-Adeyanki (Barry Stevens), Anthony Joseph (Sonny Ayres), Joel Ledgister
Subs not used. Nial Akata, Jake Hill
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