Sutton United manager Paul Doswell is relishing his sides visit to Orient on Saturday. The O’s sit top of the National League and Doswell is hoping his side can inflict Orient’s first defeat of the season. Speaking to suttonunited.net “these are the games you look forward to in what is a highly competitive league”.

• Sit 7th on 23 points – inside the playoffs on goal difference
• League Record – P13  W6  D5  L2  F18  A15
• Won four of the last six in all competitions
• Taken 10 points from last 15 available

The U’s travel to Orient on the back of a 2-2 home draw with Dover Athletic on Tuesday evening. Craig Eastmond and Nicky Bailey put Doswell’s men 2-0 ahead before Mitch Brundle halved the deficit from the spot. Despite playing against ten men for the last ten minutes, Sutton were unable to hang on with Tim Schmoll equalising three minutes from time.

Sutton’s Last Six Results

Doswell was happy with his sides first half performance but admitted his side found it difficult to deal with Dover’s physical approach. Speaking to suttonunited.net “we started really well and fully deserved our two goal lead but Dover certainly have a certain way of playing and both their goals came from the long throw which was similar to last season. After their first goal we couldn’t deal with the constant long throw and numerous free kick”.

• Kept five league clean sheets – two away
• One clean sheet in last four league games – Three in their last six
• Kept Two in their last three away games

After leading 2-1 at the break, Doswell highlighted that a third goal would have wrapped up the game but highlighted his sides performance levels dropped. Speaking to suttonunited.net “it’s hard to play against and it always seems to be a fight for knock downs and we didn’t compete well enough in the second half” He added “we still had two good chances with Charlie Clough and two great strikes from Nikcy and a third goal would have won the game”.

• Only Failed to score in two games this season
• Scored in  last two games and seven of their last eight
• Scored in their last ten away games and 14/15 away games in 2018
• 10/18 goals scored have been in the first half
• But four of their nine away goals have been in the last 15 minutes of matches

Sutton lost in the playoff semi finals last season after finishing third and winger Kieron Cadogan is aware that that continuity could prove a boost for his side. Speaking to noneleaguedaily.com “we haven’t made too many changes from last season, so we should be contending hopefully, the whole vibe in the changing room is good so that should be a positive going into the later stages of season”.

• Away League Record – P6  W3  D2  L1  F9  A7
• Won their last three on road – all by a single goal
• Won four of last seven away league games
• Five of their six league wins have been by just one goal

Doswell is now in his 11th season at Gander Green Lane and despite continually improving year on year, he still keeps the same target. After gaining promotion to the National League back in 2016, Sutton have enjoyed their stay in the league but Doswell’s main aim remains staying in it for next season. Speaking to suttonunited.net “I honestly think we are massively overachieving once again, our start to the season has been fantastic. 50 points is my first target and that’s the most important target”

Sutton’s performance in National League since Promotion

After their participation in the Scottish League Challenge Cup, tomorrow’s game will be their eighth in September and the start of four consecutive away games. The U’s lost  on their trip to the Breyer Group Stadium last December but Doswell highlights that it will be a difficult task. Speaking to suttonunited.net “we now have to move on to a massive challenge on Saturday against an excellent Orient side who will be backed by a huge crowd”.

Sutton’s Next 6 Fixtures

Team News

Captain Jamie Collins came off injured on Tuesday and is a doubt for the trip to Orient. Kieran Cadogan could return after sitting it out on Tuesday while Ross Lafayette, Josh Taylor and Harry Beautyman will be hoping for starts.

Head to Head – Sutton United 1, Draw 0, Leyton Orient 1

Last Season’s Results

Last Time Out -2-2 vs Dover Athletic

Starting 11 vs Dover

Prediction – Leyton Orient 2-1 Sutton United