Barbrook condemns Magpies to defeat at Sutton United

Sutton United 1, Maidenhead United 0

Finlay Barbrook's first half goal condemned Maidenhead United to a fifth straight defeat in all competitions on Saturday, as Sutton United emerged as deserved winners at Gander Green Lane.

United were far from their best as they lost in the National League for a third match in succession, while they've also lost the steeliness which saw them go on an eight-match unbeaten run in all competitions a little earlier in the campaign.

That promising run began to fade before it was ended by the side's 3-1 away defeat at Yeovil Town a few weeks ago, while the side's agonising FA Cup first round defeat to League 1 side Crawley Town has further winded the players as they look to drag themselves back into some sort of form.

Last weekend they were hammered 4-1 at home by a very good Forest Green Rovers side, while on Saturday they were edged out more narrowly, but no less deservedly, by Sutton United who probably should have added to their 31st minute goal from Barbrook.

The result leaves the Magpies third from bottom of the table - now two points from safety - heading into a tough looking home game against Gateshead at York Road on Saturday ahead of away matches at Braintree Town and York City the following Tuesday and Saturday.

They've now managed just one win in their last 10 matches - against step 3 side Taunton Town in an FA Cup replay win at York Road. 

 United were second best for much of the first half and only a combination of wasteful finishing and impressive goalkeeping and defending prevented them from coming in at half-time further adrift.

Ashley Nadesan went down under the challenge of Will De Havilland in the box in the early stages, but the referee waved away the home side's appeals.

  Craig Ross then saved well from former Magpie Josh Coley in the 14th minute while Will Davies - who led the line well for Sutton throughout without finding the net - pushed another effort just wide of the upright in the 18th minute.

 The goal which gave Sutton the points owed a lot to the impressive wing play of Jeremy Sivi. He skipped past Owen Cochrane down the left and whipped in a ball that Davies held up and touched off for Barbrook to sweep a first time shot beyond Ross.

Taking the lead in style #AmberArmy | #SuttonUnited | #SLFF | #ForeverAmber pic.twitter.com/ylylSTeR4r

— Sutton United FC (@suttonunited) November 16, 2024

 The Magpies were then indebted to both Ross and Miles Welch-Hayes for preventing the Us from extending their lead in the 36th minute. Again, Coley was involved, pulling a cross back for Davies to strike at goal. His effort was well saved, but Barbrook looked like he'd turn the rebound home until Welch-Hayes diverted it off the line.

  United saw more of the ball as the game went on in the second half and managed to build up a head of steam as they chased a late equaliser. But, for all their endeavour, they rarely tested Jack Sims who had only one moment of panic, when he fumbled a stoppage-time throw-in but managed to fall on the ball and gather in before anyone in black and white could react.

 Coley had the best chance of the half in the 75th minute when his first-time shot was palmed away by Ross, while Joseph Ajose might have done better for the Magpies in the 85th minute when his shot from the edge of the area flew over the bar.

 Maidenhead have been on losing runs like this before, and Devonshire and his players have always managed to find a way to keep their noses out of trouble. If their recent eight game unbeaten run was a cause for optimism, then this run of losses is a definite cause for concern.