As we enter the Easter weekend period, the Shots will be hoping to put the ‘good’ in good Friday as they look to take on Sutton United in the Enterprise National League. As the final month kicks off both sides will be wanting to pick up points early on to secure safety. Sutton currently sit one place above the Shots in 17th, so victory against them could see us leap frog our visitors and bag an important three points.
Established in 1898, the U’s have embarked on a fantastic journey through the leagues, starting out as humble underdogs and rising to the heights of the EFL after winning the National League in 2021. The club has, on several occasions, earned the title of ‘giant killers’ after beating more than one top tier side in the FA Cup. In 1989 they beat high flyers Coventry City 2-1 to reach the fifth round for the first time ever, and in 2017 repeated this achievement with a 1-0 victory against Leeds.
Sutton are one of several clubs to have installed a 3G artificial playing surface at their home ground, Gander Green Lane. After their promotion to League Two a few years ago, the controversial decision was made to destroy the playing surface as 3G pitches remain banned by the EFL, forcing the club to adopt a hybrid grass pitch for only the three seasons they spent there. The incident helped to spark conversations around the potential use of 3G surfaces within the EFL as many clubs, including Sutton, are keen to see them being introduced.
RECENT FORM
Sutton are currently 17th in the Enterprise National League, having taken7 points from their last 6 games. Included in these were a landmark victory against play-off candidates Scunthorpe and a last minute heartbreak defeat to league leaders Rochdale, where an 89th and a 97th minute double were the difference. The U’s have clearly been trying to keep up their history of impressive underdog performances this season.
28th Mar – Sutton 1 – 2 Rochdale
24th Mar – Eastleigh 0 – 2 Sutton
21st Mar – Sutton 0 – 3 Truro
14th Mar – Gateshead 1 – 1 Sutton
10th Mar – Scunthorpe 1 – 2 Sutton
7th Mar – Sutton 0 – 5 Morecambe
REVERSE FIXTURE AND PREVIOUS MEETINGS
In total, the Shots have played Sutton 15 times over the years. The fixture could not be closer, with 5 wins for each team and 5 draws altogether so far, making the game on Friday a chance to get not only a foothold over the other in the league standings, but also the all-time history of the fixture. Recently this could not be more true, where the last three meetings between the two sides have all ended in draws and have had two or less goals in the game.
Last time out in the reverse fixture the Shots managed a goalless draw against Friday’s visitors amidst the Boxing Day festivities. In a very fitting Easter Weekend rematch, the scene is set for the Shots to push for a winner this time round.
IN THE DUGOUT
The man in Charge for the U’s on Friday is Chris Agutter, who took over back in October last year. Agutter began his managerial career at Brighton, where he had previously spent time as a player. After enjoying a spell overseeing the youth set up there, he left to pursue more senior roles at Eastbourne Borough and Hastings United before establishing himself further up the pyramid at the likes of Stevenage and Worthing.
The Sutton boss has several standout achievements during his time in management, including securing promotion to the Isthmian Premier Division with Hastings United and helping Worthing to record their highest ever points total in the National League South. Aside from his success on the touchline, Agutter’s previous history working with multiple different youth set-ups has allowed him to develop young prospects very effectively, showing the emphasis that Sutton United have placed on nurturing their youth talent through his appointment.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
Lewis Simper:
With 11 goals this season, Simper is joint top-scorer for the U’s from central and right midfield and has consistently provided a threat by getting on the front foot for his team. He has featured in all but one Enterprise National League game for Sutton during this campaign, which goes to show the value he adds to the midfield unit and the consistency he brings to the side. The Shots will need to keep an eye out whenever he gets his foot on the ball.
Brandon Njoku:
The attacker has slotted in well to this Sutton United side since joining from Cambridge last summer. With 11 goals in all competitions and the versatility of operating in multiple attacking positions, Njoku has quickly established himself as a presence in the front line capable of pestering opposition defences with his work rate. The Shots will need to watch out for him on Friday.
TICKET INFO
Tickets for Saturday’s game at the EBB Stadium can be bought online by clicking HERE.
Please note prices will increase at 10am on the day of the match, these are noted in brackets.
Ticket prices are as follows:
ADULT – £23 (£25)
MILITARY PERSONNEL – £21 (£23)
SENIOR (66 and over) – £21 (£23)
YOUNG PERSON (16-20) – £21 (£23)
DISABLED – £21 (£23)
JUNIOR – (15 and under) – £8 (£10)
UNDER 11 – FREE
FAMILY (2 adults + 3 15 and under) – £48 (£52)
We strongly encourage buying tickets in advance or online to save queues in the Ticket Office before the game.
The Club Shop/Ticket Office is open for all supporters with cash and card accepted.
IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT
Live updates will be available from our social media platforms X (@OfficialShots), Instagram (@aldershottownfcofficial), and Facebook. After the game, highlights will be available on our YouTube channel.
The game can be streamed for overseas viewers via DAZN’s National League TV coverage. Click HERE to purchase a match pass.
There will be live commentary of the game provided by BBC Radio Surrey.
