In a pulsating encounter at the VBS Community Stadium, Sutton United and Hartlepool United played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in the English National League. The match was a veritable goal-fest, with both sides contributing to an entertaining spectacle that saw the lead change hands multiple times before ultimately being shared.
Sutton United drew first blood in the 18th minute. A well-worked move culminated in Jayden Harris providing the assist for Lewis Simper, who fired the home side into a 1-0 lead. The advantage held through to the half-time interval.
The second half, however, brought a dramatic shift in momentum. Just seven minutes after the restart, Hartlepool United found their equaliser. Jay Benn played a crucial role, setting up Luke Charman to make it 1-1.
Sutton United responded swiftly to the setback, introducing Brandon Njoku from the bench in the 57th minute. The tactical change paid dividends almost immediately. Just three minutes later, Njoku, who had only been on the pitch for a matter of moments, found the back of the net to restore Sutton’s lead at 2-1.
However, Hartlepool United demonstrated their resilience once more. In the 66th minute, Besart Topalloj’s assist found Vadaine Oliver, who levelled the scores for the second time at 2-2.
The drama intensified in the closing stages. In the 84th minute, Hartlepool United snatched what looked to be a late winner. Substitute Matty Daly, who had entered the fray in the 71st minute, provided the assist for Jermaine Francis to put the visitors ahead at 3-2.
Just as Hartlepool United appeared to be heading for a precious away victory, Sutton United conjured a final act of defiance. In the sixth minute of added time, Lewis Simper delivered a dramatic equaliser, assisted by Jayden Harris, to seal a dramatic 3-3 draw.
The draw leaves Sutton United in a precarious position in the league table, currently occupying 23rd place with 9 points from 15 matches. Hartlepool United, meanwhile, sit more comfortably in 10th place, having accumulated 19 points from their 15 outings.
