Sutton Coldfield Town bounced back from last week's tepid loss to Warrington with a vital 2-1 victory over Barwell, a result that owed a lot to an immense goalkeeping display from Sutton's number one, James Wren, who produced an array of outstanding saves in the second half to keep The Royals in the game.

As a consequence of the victory, Sutton leapfrog Frickley into 21st place and remain in the relegation zone only on goal difference. With five games left to go, including three at Coles Lane, Sutton are in with a significant chance of pulling off a great escape.

With spring in full bloom, Sutton were boosted by seeing a higher than usual contingent of fans, with many teenagers joining the regular Sutton Ultras to create a party atmosphere.

The early exchanges were combative as neither side could quite conjure any slick passing moves. The best chances of the opening quarter tended to materialise from deadball situations. Craig Stanley headed over for Barwell from a free-kick and a Sutton free-kick was spilled by Barwell custodian Liam Castle but David Howarth failed to convert the rebound, sidefooting the ball unconvincingly into the chest of Castle.

As the half wore on, the visiting Canaries began to assume supremacy. Luke Barlone shot wide after a swift counter-attack, and they continued to threaten from corners and free-kicks.

The visitors' pressure finally told when on the stroke of half-time Callum Ball scored from outside the box, on the turn, after intelligent approach play.

Sutton started the second half in positive fashion and seven minutes after the resumption they were level. Captain Michael Townsend prodding home after Howarth had directed his header back to the incoming Townsend, who had been sorely missed against Warrington.

Not long after the Sutton equaliser, the next phase of the match became the James Wren show, as Sutton's ever dependable keeper started to offer a masterclass in the art of keeping in one-on-one situations. His fingertip save from a point-blank Ball volley would have graced the Champions League when Ball couldn't have connected with the strike any better. Wren followed up this with a string of fine saves with any part of his anatomy, making himself big when a variety of Barwell attackers had only Wren to beat.

This inspired the Sutton faithful and the noise went up a few decibels as a draw was never really going to be enough in the club's current predicament. Substitute Montel Gibson had a shot blocked and Castle was starting to showcase his keeping abilities for Barwell.

With just a couple of minutes remaining of the ninety, another sub, Max Wright, unleased a sweet bullet from around 20-odd yards that went in off the underside of the bar to give Sutton a late advantage that they held on to, sending the Sutton fans into a state of pure joy. Wren left the pitch to an incredible ovation and the whole side had shown their character when it looked as if Sutton might be dropping two points at home.

Following the game I spoke to boss Richard Sneekes about the win: "A vital three points and we had to dig deep to get a win, when it looked that Barwell would walk away with all three. It has given us a massive opportunity to stay up and I want us to take that chance. From where we were when Steve and I took over to where we're now, has been a massive journey and not good for the old ticker!

Sutton are next in league action on Tuesday, April 4th with a trip to a regressing Mickleover side. Four days later and Sutton host promotion contenders Spennymoor Town.

Before the return to league action though, Sutton will be contesting a Birmingham Senior Cup semi-final this Tuesday (kick-off at 7:45pm) at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Although staying up is the top priority for Sutton, an opportunity to reach a final in an historic cup like this is more than just a consolation prize. Taking part and winning cup finals is part of the reason you play football and become a supporter.