Sutton United extended their unbeaten start to the 2024/25 season with a 3-2 win over Newport County in South Wales.
Ned Hepburn and James Fennelow gave the U’s a two-goal advantage inside the first 10 minutes, but after a spirited comeback from the hosts to draw level, it was Dan Urpens who scored the winning goal deep into injury time.
Speaking after the match, Urpens was pleased he could help his team to earn the victory.
“The manager [PDP lead coach, Rob Tuvey] said we had to find a way to win,” Urpens told Sutton United FCtv. “We did that by putting our bodies on the line at the end, and then going up the other end for me to score that header.”
The U’s got off to the perfect start as Hepburn was in the right place at the right time to turn home Fennelow’s initial effort on goal.
Things got even better when Charlie Bell burst into the penalty area and tried to shoot from a tight angle, but was scythed down just as he looked to pull the trigger, earning a spot-kick. Making his first start for the U’s since returning from a long-term injury, Fennelow kept his composure to score from 12 yards.
Newport grew into the game as the half went on, and Charlie Fletcher was called into action when Riley Lonergan tried to bend a shot into the far corner of net.
The hosts halved the deficit five minutes before the interval, with Moses Alexander-Walker converting from a one-on-one opportunity to give Newport a route back into the match.
After conceding, Sutton ended the half on the back foot, working hard to keep Newport at bay. Fletcher positioned himself well to make a fine stop at his near post, but had his post to thank after Cory Evan’s shot had him beaten.
In the second half, County got their equaliser through Evans, whose low shot across Fletcher found the corner of the net, restoring parity between the two sides.
As stoppage time began, more heroics from Fletcher followed by a goal-saving challenge from Adam Reeves prevented Orphee Bony – son of former Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony – from giving the hosts a late lead.
However, after showing resilience for much of the second half, the U’s snatched the win in the 98th minute. Liam Moore’s corner was swung towards the back post, where Urpens was waiting to head the ball into the net from close range.
After three games in seven days, Rob Tuvey was pleased to see positive results but demanded more from his team as they look to continue their hot streak.
“They’re resilient, they don’t know when they’re beaten which is a great trait to have, especially for young people,” Tuvey reflected.
“I’m really pleased with the character shown in the last seven days, and to have three wins out of three is a real feat for the boys, however now we really need to look and reflect honestly on how we’re playing and different aspects of the game we need to improve on.”
The Under-18s return to action with an EFL Youth Alliance Cup tie against Bromley on Saturday, October 12.
