MATCH PREVIEW | SUTTON UNITED

Back the Bees this Easter Monday (3pm) as the team go up against Sutton United away in the Vanarama National League.

Barnet FC:

A draw on Good Friday for the Bees after coming from behind to claim a point against Eastleigh in the Vanarama National League.

The game began with high intensity, as both sides looked to gain an early edge.

Eastleigh opened the scoring midway through the first half after a defensive mix-up.

A heavy back pass from Mark Shelton forced goalkeeper Owen Evans out of position, allowing Tyrese Shade to steal in and square for Paul McCallum to slot into an empty net.

Barnet responded positively, pressing forward with intent.

Their efforts paid off just before the break when captain Anthony Hartigan delivered a superb free kick into the box, and Danny Collinge rose highest to head home the equaliser.

The second half saw Barnet continue to push for a winner, creating several chances.

Eastleigh’s keeper Joe McDonnell was kept busy, producing several important saves.

Dean Brennan introduced Lee Ndlovu and Harry Chapman just after the hour mark, with Chapman immediately threatening down the left flank.

Despite dominating possession late on and keeping Eastleigh pinned back, Barnet couldn’t find a breakthrough as the visitors held firm defensively.

Barnet’s last five results:

Barnet FC 1-1 Eastleigh

Barnet FC 1-1 Wealdstone

Braintree Town 2-1 Barnet FC

Barnet FC 3-1 Gateshead

Altrincham 0-1 Barnet FC

From the dugout:

Connor Smith’s pre-match interview can be viewed HERE!

Sutton United:

Sutton United and Aldershot Town shared the points in a lively 1-1 draw at the EBB Stadium on Good Friday.

Sutton took the lead midway through the first half after capitalizing on a defensive error, with Lewis Simper firing a low shot into the far corner following good build-up play from Jack Wadham and Ashley Nadesan.

Aldershot responded early in the second half when James Henry played a pinpoint through ball to Josh Barrett, who coolly slotted home the equalizer.

The home side had the better of the second period, creating several chances, including a late effort that forced a key save from Sutton keeper Jack Sims.

Despite both sides pushing for a winner, neither could find a breakthrough, and the match ended all square.

Sutton United last five results:

Aldershot Town 1-1 Sutton United

Ebbsfleet United 4-1 Sutton United

Sutton United 1-0 Rochdale

Sutton United 1-1 Southend United

Boston United 2-1 Sutton United

In the opposition dugout:

Sutton United manager Steve Morison will be in the dugout for the hosts on Monday with his assistant Anthony Fenton alongside him.

Steve Morison became the manager of Sutton United in January 2024, at the time of his appointment, Sutton United was at the bottom of League Two.

Morison’s leadership saw the team fight relegation until the final day of the season, ultimately finishing in the relegation zone.

Despite this, Morison and Fenton were awarded two year contract extensions in August 2024, reflecting the club’s confidence in their vision to rebuild.

Ones to watch:

Sutton United centre forward Will Davies is the clubs current top goal scorer so far this season, scoring 18 goals and assisting 3 in the league.

He has made 41 league appearances for The U’s and is currently averaging a goal every 194 minutes this season.

Last time these two sides met:

Barnet and Sutton United played out an entertaining 3-3 draw on Boxing Day in the Vanarama National League last time out.

Sutton took an early lead after 21 minutes when Ashley Nadesan broke through on goal and placed the ball into the bottom corner.

Barnet responded with a moment of brilliance from Ryan Glover, who curled a superb effort into the top corner to level the score.

Just before the break, the Bees turned the game around as Adebola Oluwo rose highest to head home Ben Coker’s cross, giving Barnet a 2-1 lead at halftime.

Sutton came out fighting in the second half and, after several missed chances, found their equaliser through Will Davies, who drilled a low shot into the bottom corner.

Moments later, Besart Topallaj capitalised on a loose ball in the box to fire Sutton into a 3-2 lead.

Barnet pushed hard in the closing stages, hitting the post through Mark Shelton before Ryan Glover popped up in stoppage time to bundle home an equaliser from a goalmouth scramble after a Hartigan free kick.

It was a thrilling contest, with both sides taking turns in the lead before settling for a share of the points.

Back Dean Brennan and The Bees this Easter Monday, as the team look to push through the remaining cup finals, aiming to take the three points as well as sealing their spot at the top of the table.