A tense encounter unfolded at the Rare Breed Meat Co. Stadium, where Sutton United secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Braintree Town. The first half was a cagey affair, with both sides struggling to penetrate stubborn defences. Midfield battles were fiercely contested, but clear-cut chances were at a premium, resulting in a goalless stalemate at the break.
The deadlock was broken just two minutes after the restart. Josh Coley’s incisive pass found Will Davies, who calmly slotted the ball past the Braintree goalkeeper to give Sutton the lead. The goal sparked the game into life. Braintree, now chasing the game, pushed forward with greater urgency.
Sutton, determined to protect their slender advantage, responded with a series of substitutions. Nana Boateng, Matt Rush, and Chinwike Okoli were introduced to bolster the midfield and stifle Braintree’s attempts to find an equaliser. Braintree also looked to freshen their attack, bringing on Callum Powell, John Akinde, and Tom Blackwell.
As the match entered its final stages, and with Braintree pressing for an equaliser, tempers began to fray. Yellow cards were shown to Sutton’s Dillon De Silva and substitute Matt Rush, and to Braintree substitute John Akinde for fouls and dissent. Despite a late surge from the home side, Sutton’s defence stood firm, repelling Braintree’s attacks to secure a valuable three points.
The victory moves Sutton United up to 11th in the National League table, while Braintree Town remain in 21st.