1 min
Sutton United recovered from last weekend’s Wembley heartbreak to boost their League Two promotion hopes with a nervy 1-0 win over Leyton Orient at Gander Green Lane.
The O’s struggled to contend with Sutton’s initial intensity with keeper Lawrence Vigouroux forced into a number of early saves – the best acrobatically denying Harry Beautyman.
However, the deadlock was eventually broken in the 21st minute when a mix-up in the box from a corner allowed Joe Kizzi space to rifle his header home.
Sutton continued to press and should have doubled their advantage when Enzio Boldewijn latched onto a tame Vigouroux pass only to fumble his effort.
The O’s keeper would then pull off another incredible save to ensure his side went in at the interval just one goal down.
Orient were much improved after the break and Paul Smyth’s 65th minute effort from Aaron Drinan’s driven cross was goal bound until Kizzi blocked on the line.
And despite continued O’s pressure, Sutton were able to soak it up and hold on for a crucial three points in their quest for promotion.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Joe Kizzi’s 21st minute header proved the difference in what was ultimately a tight and edgy affair.
Moan of the Match
Sutton could have gone in at half-time with a much greater lead as their excellent press saw them create plenty of chances they just didn’t take.
Talking Point
How big a win could this be for Sutton on the back of last weekend’s Wembley heartbreak and a massive Easter double-header against promotion rivals Mansfield and Newport?
Man of the Match
Joe Kizzi – a goal at one end while blocking an almost certain Leyton Orient equaliser at the other, the full-back excelled throughout.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Robert Lewis (Shropshire) – despite it being a passionate London derby, the official let the game flow and didn’t put a foot wrong.
Atmosphere
Both sets of fans provided fine voice in the sunshine – although Sutton’s fans became increasingly nervous as the game progressed.
Verdict
Sutton started much stronger against a lethargic Leyton Orient and got a vital goal before expertly seeing out the game in a nervy second period.
