With Sutton United recently topping the Vanarama National League, 2017 has been a fantastic year for the U’s. The South London side achieved their best ever FA Cup run last season which included giant killings of Leeds United and AFC Wimbledon before bowing out to Arsenal in the last 16. This run brought back memories of 1989 when they knocked Coventry City out in the 3rd Round at Gander Green Lane. The adventure hasn’t stopped though due to Sutton’s fantastic start to the season and they have to be a contender for promotion to the Football League*.

Tactics

Paul Doswell, manager since 2008 sets Sutton United up predominantly with a back four. Although the personnel changes, the full-backs especially Spence advance and aim to hit crosses into the opposition box. The centre-backs are an immense threat from set pieces especially the captain, Collins. 32-year old Collins is also the penalty taker and has now scored 15 goals for Sutton since he joined in 2015.

Sutton playing a 4-4-1-1 formation with Wright just behind Dundas

In midfield, The U’s often set up in a double pivot of Eastmond and Davis who protect the defence although ex-Leeds player Walton sometimes plays as a defensive midfielder. With Walton protecting the defence, Eastmond and Davis can move forward more freely. They are effective passers and their target is feeding Tommy Wright with accurate balls or spreading play out to provide width. The creative Wright tends to move in from out wide or sit behind the striker who is often Dundas.

Sutton’s 4-3-3 with Walton playing behind Davis and Eastmond. Wright is out wide but will occupy the half spaces

Set Pieces

Sutton are very effective at set pieces and also accurately distribute crosses into the danger area. Against Dagenham and Redbridge, Spence pushed forward down the right and put in a great cross for Davis to score with a header. This kind of scenario is very difficult for opposition defence’s to combat. Sutton are always looking for a quick ball to catch the opposition unaware.

Spence’s cross for Davis to score against Dagenham

Walton is effective from set pieces and if he is not taking free kicks is launching throws into the opposition box. Due to his versatility, Walton is a very important player who is comfortable in central defence and as a defensive midfielder. Dundas is a huge presence in the box due to his strength which showed with his goal during the recent away win against Dagenham.

Attacking phase

Sutton have flair in the team and Wright is the player creating opportunities. The striker scored 52 goals last season for Salisbury and is a hot prospect. Sutton’s player of the month for August plays just behind the striker or on the wing cutting inside. Wright aims to find space between the lines or in the half spaces where he is comfortable. Wright drags players out of position helping his team to find the space that an opposition defender has vacated.

The 20-year old has pace and is a threat in behind the defence especially with his recent goal against Maidstone United. Tommy Wright’s ability means that teams are not sure whether to defend deep or push up high. Wright can benefit from the deficiencies in both of these formations.

Wright being put through for his goal against Maidstone

Conclusion

Doswell is moving Sutton in the right direction. Fans have benefited from an excellent cup run to being top of the Vanarama National League. If Sutton, keep their form going there may be more exciting times ahead. The football league is not just a dream but a distinct possibility.

*subject to a change in ruling regarding 3G pitches