Sutton v Harrogate preview

Saturday’s results at the foot of the table saw U’s lose ground on the sides above, with a seven point gap to three teams, but wins against Harrogate in this week’s only midweek fixture, and then against Doncaster on Saturday would move U’s to within a point of the South Yorkshire side.

Harrogate will come to the VBS hoping to end a record which has seen Sutton win all five previous meetings at the ground, four in the league and one in the quarter finals of the Papa Johns Trophy in January 2022, but they will travel with hope, with only one defeat in their last eight league games and in possession of one of the best away records in the division. No team has won more than their seven games away from home, with only Stockport, Mansfield and Barrow matching that, and although less impressive home form has kept them in 11th place going in to the game, they are only four points outside the play offs.

Sutton will hope Ben Goodliffe has recovered from the injury that kept him out of Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Walsall, U’s fourth consecutive league draw repeating a sequence in November and December, while Jay Williams, signed on Monday from Fulham, could be added to the squad.

Referee Stephen Parkinson is making his first refereeing visit to Sutton having taken charge of Saturday’s EFL League Two game between Crewe and Salford.

For tonight’s game only, the EchoLaser stand and terrace will be available to Sutton supporters to enable them to support the team from this terrific viewpoint close to the goal at the Collingwood End. In addition Sutton supporters will have use of the fan zone usually reserved for visiting supporters behind the EchoLaser stand, with a Signal Happy Hour from 6.15pm when beer is £3.50 a pint, and live music from 2 Sam Band in conjunction with Basement Door. Prices are as usual £21 for adults, £15 for concessions (age 60 and over/full time students with ID) and £7 for juniors age 12-18. Tickets for under 12s are free if bought in conjunction with an adult or concession ticket. Ground admission tickets will include access to the Echo Laser terrace. Seat prices are £4 more in all cases. You can buy your tickets here. Tickets will also be on sale at the ticket kiosk tonight but there is a £2 increase in price if paying on the night in person, an increase not applied to any on line tickets bought on Tuesday.

Tickets purchased for the original date in December, when the game was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, are valid.

Supporters are reminded that due to the rail strike on Tuesday there are NO Southern or Thameslink services, which means that there are no trains through West Sutton or Sutton stations. South Western trains are cancelled as well, ruling out a connection with the 151 bus at Worcester Park. Anyone travelling from London by public transport will need to use the Northern Line to Morden and then take the 80 or 413 bus, both of which pass the ground.

Supporters unable to get to the game can watch a live feed whether in the UK or overseas on Tuesday, with a match pass costing £10. Overseas supporters have until Wednesday to purchase a half season ticket for just £85 to cover all games until the end of the season – this offer is not available to UK based supporters. Click here to buy the relevant pass.

The programme for the match will be on sale around the ground – it is a double issue this week to cover Saturday’s game against Doncaster as well, and costs £4. If you won’t be at either game and want to order a copy to be sent out after the games, please click here. The programme for the postponed game in December has also now been made available for sale for £1 – you can buy that at the ground or order a copy here