Sutton United and Boston United played out a 1-1 draw at the VBS Community Stadium, a result that offers little respite for either side in their National League campaign. Referee Richie Watkins had a busy afternoon, brandishing nine yellow cards in a match characterised by numerous fouls, highlighting the combative nature of the encounter.
Boston United took the lead in the 32nd minute through Matty Carson. The remainder of the first half remained tight, with Dylan Hill of Boston United receiving a yellow card in the 30th minute. Lewis Simper of Sutton United followed him into the referee’s notebook shortly before the interval. Rocco Coyle was then cautioned early in the second half.
The second half saw both managers turn to their benches in an attempt to influence the game. Boston United made a double substitution in the 55th minute, introducing Alex Lankshear and Jordy Hiwula-Mayifuila. Sutton United responded in the 62nd minute with the introduction of Siju Odelusi and Dillon De Silva. As the half wore on, further substitutions were made as both teams sought to gain control and find a decisive goal. The match became increasingly fragmented, with Jayden Harris and Aaron Jones of Sutton United, and Owen Hampson of Boston United, all receiving yellow cards.
Sutton United, growing increasingly desperate, introduced David Ogbonna in the 89th minute. Their late pressure paid dividends in the 93rd minute when David Ogbonna, assisted by Aaron Jones, scored a late equaliser. The substitute’s goal sparked celebrations amongst the home support, rescuing a point after what had seemed a likely defeat. Jordan Cropper received a late yellow card to conclude the match.
The draw leaves Sutton United in 22nd position with 7 points from 12 games, still looking for consistency. Boston United, meanwhile, move up to 19th with 12 points from 11 games, but will likely feel a sense of disappointment at not securing all three points, having held the lead for the majority of the match.