It was a must win game for Sutton, who had gone off the boil of late after two excellent cup runs. The league had somewhat escaped them, and after losing the last two at home, it was important to stop the rot today against weaker opposition, and at present our competitors for the drop.

Toothy was forced to make a change for the suspended Halsall with Shaw in an otherwise unchanged side from the one that lost to Frickley the previous week.

Newcastle were straight on the attack from the off, with Askey running wide and hitting a ball across the penalty area just wide of the post, Van Der Laan then curled a great ball just past the Sutton crossbar.

Beresford tried to push Sutton forward by lofting a great ball over midfield for Marselia to run onto but his shot was just wide.

Newcastle took the lead on 20 minutes, with Scott twisting Beresford inside out before running into the box unchallenged and slotting the ball past Gwilliams. 1-0 Newcastle.

Marselia almost put Sutton back in it when Francis played him in, but the final shot was wide of the goal.

George determinedly chased a wide ball and whipped a first-time ball into the box for Gibson to rise high to head down into the net to draw Sutton level. 1-1.

Sutton lifted by the goal pushed forward with Francis down the wing, his ball to Gibson was just cut out before a certain second goal for Sutton.
Newcastle had a headed effort go over the bar just before the half time break.

Sutton started the second half with more determination to get forward, and as a result Marselia claimed the ball on the edge of the penalty area, turned his man and curled a shot into the top right hand corner of the goal giving the keeper no chance and putting Sutton into the lead for the first time in the game.1-2 Sutton.

Newcastle tried to get back into the game quickly with a shot that flew over the bar and left Gwilliams unfazed.
Leek pushed Sutton forward with a great run through the middle of the park, he beat several defenders, but the shot was weak and although on target, didn’t trouble the man between the posts.

Leek then tried again with a long-range effort which caught the Newcastle keeper out, and he fumbled the ball out for a Sutton corner.
Toothy brought on Powney to replace Martin on 69 minutes.

Marselia and Gibson linked up well to give Marselia a chance at goal, but his show was well blocked by the Newcastle defence.
Gwilliams hit a long ball for Gibson who ran wide and delivered a ball into the box for Leek to hit a blistering shot which had the keeper diving to keep the ball out.

Shaw smacked a ball from distance but it just cleared the crossbar. Sutton were pushing to get another as Newcastle had been good going forward and the one goal lead did not look safe.

With 10 minutes to go Dwyer came on for Francis.

Newcastle won a free kick on the edge of the box and Gwilliams was called into action to save from a point-blank header to keep Sutton in the lead.

Gibson was replaced by Romario, and with just injury time to play Sutton managed to see out the game. 1-2 winners.

It was a tough game in difficult conditions, but the lads worked hard and got their just deserts.

A much needed three points against fellow strugglers. We now move off the bottom for the first time in ages - Hopefully this will be the platform to go on to better things.

It’s Wisbech at home next Saturday, let’s see as many of you there as possible to push the lads on to get another three points.

Come on you Royals.