The Vanarama National League
Tuesday 19th February 2019
Kick Off: 7.45pm
Stadium: The Knights Community Stadium, Sutton Sports Ground, Gander Green Lane, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 2EY
Telephone: 020 8644 4440
Club Colours: Yellow & Chocolate
Nickname: The U’s
Key Personnel:
Manager Paul Doswell was appointed in May 2008 and is now the longest-serving manager in the top five divisions of English football. He joined the club after enjoying great success with Eastleigh, with whom he gained three consecutive promotions as they progressed from the Wessex League to Conference South.
Brief Directions by Road:
Travel along the M25 to junction 8. Then north on the A217 for about 15-20 minutes. Ignoring signs for Sutton itself, stay on the A217 to the traffic lights by the Gander Inn (on the left), turn right into Gander Green Lane. The Borough Sports Ground is about 200 yards up this road on the left-hand side:
Car Parking:
Street parking is fairly unrestricted. Town centre car parks are about 15 minutes walk away. Gibson Road by the Holiday Inn is the closest.
Directions by Train:
West Sutton is the nearest station to the ground and only a few minutes walk but a better service runs into Sutton Station where a reasonable walk or a cab are the options. A good selections of pubs and eateries are also available form the town centre. The 413 hopper service runs past the ground down Gander Green Lane. The bus will stop on request anywhere in Gander Green Lane.
Eating and Drinking Locally:
With the closing of the Plough pub, the nearest watering hole is the Gander Inn about a 10-minute walk from the ground on the main A127. The Old Bank pub is recommended by the club and is adjacent to Sutton Station.
Ground Description:
A predominantly terraced ground in a huge oval shape. Plenty of cover to be found. The main stand originality built in the 1950’s offers a decent view and has room for about 800.
To the left is the Gander Green terrace, set back and partially covered, flanked by two open curved sections. Opposite is the Rec Terrace which is also partially covered in the centre. To the right is the Collingwood Road End. This also has a small covered area. The pitch is 3G.
Admission Prices:
Adults £15.00, Concession £8.00.
Our Last Meeting & Memories:
We have fought toe to toe on many occasions and my first visit to GGL was FA Cup day way back in 1975! I have very vivid memories of Robert Codner being pulled over the fence by Bees fans while celebrating his injury-time winner in 1987 and of the 6-2 demolition of the U’s at Underhill later that season – Keith Alexander scored a Christmas time hat trick in front of nearly 4,000! A weakened Bees side were defeated 5-1 the day before our Club Call Cup win in 1989 but that game was blessed by the debut of a certain Andrew Clarke, who scored our goal.
Celebrity Watch:
Birmingham born singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading lived here as did botanist broadcaster David Bellamy. Rock God Jeff Beck was raised nearby and allegedly used and gigged the old Plough Pub that was close to the ground. Actor and playwright Sir Noel Coward was bought up in Sutton as was writer Quentin Crisp. The Winning Post pub will always be synonymous with the Rolling Stone. Sir Harry Seacombe was a resident too.
