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How Sutton’s stellar debut League Two season has created an unwanted atmosphere for Matt Gray

A third home defeat in four, dumps Matt Gray’s men into unfamiliar circumstances as they sit only seven points above the relegation zone heading into their clash with, fellow strugglers, Rochdale.

The U’s have not had the rub of the green so far from losing Ben Goodliffe, last season’s Player of the Year, on the opening day with a ligament injury to facing promotion hunting Bradford last weekend with seven first team players out and only one recognised centre-back, Sutton are wearing thin. 

This term, they have been unsuccessful in their attempt to maintain their fortress like feel at home; collecting four less points (14) and scoring six less goals (10) than they did last time out from their opening nine at the VBS Community Stadium. 

When compared to last season, the football league debutants had become Play-off catalysts with an impressive record which saw them make history in the Papa Johns Trophy too. 

Meanwhile the South London side are failing to find momentum this year and have only curated eight points from their last 10 league games.

Whilst residing in 17th, they have been unable to maintain their fortress like feel at home; collecting four less points (14) and scoring six goals fewer (10) than they did last time out from their opening nine at the VBS Community Stadium. 

On paper the difference seems minor, yet the reaction is major. 

Narrow defeats at home to footballing sides such as Salford, Tranmere and Bradford would have been widely accepted by the Amber Army. Yet, this year, there is an unfamiliar confidence teaming through the terraces of the VBS Community Stadium.

Cries for ‘change’ and ‘innovation’ ricochet from the forums and rebound off the walls of the Main Stand – words that do not bode well amongst the Amber Army.

Sutton are on their second manager in a 14-year period, the fans are used to how the club is run. However, at the expense of unexpected success optimism is rife. 

Whether it is a new generation of the Amber Army or the idea of Sutton not being the underdogs for once – the small divide amongst fans is trickling its way through to the manager.

“I’d like to think, not just the fans, everyone recognises a club like us that has with seven key players out with serious injuries the results will be affected.

Harry Beautyman in full flight before his double-hernia injury, credit Paul Loughlin

“There is not a lot I can do about it at the moment.” Matt exclusively told ParkLife Sport.

As well as having one of the smaller budgets in the division, the side are having to turn their focus to the transfer market.

Overall; a squad that is riddled with injuries, out of two domestic competitions and in a poor run of form. The U’s are in stuck in a rut and, for them especially, January could not come soon enough.

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