National League side Sutton United host National League North side Spennymoor in the Fa Trophy quarter-final and Matthew O'Regan has his match preview and predictions.
The U’s were relegated in their third season in League Two, even threatening to break into the playoffs in their first season. Steve Morison’s side may have to settle for another campaign in the Non-League, as they sit nine points off the playoffs, failing to win any of their last four in the league.
Sutton have only taken three fewer points on their travels than at home, so will be bitterly disappointed in failing to make Gander Green Lane a fortress. Still, they have defeated two National League sides in the cup so far, beating basement boys Ebbsfleet on penalties, before a 58th-minute strike from Will Davies saw them beat Tamworth 1-0. This set up a fifth-round tie at National League North title contenders Kidderminster at Aggborough. The U’s were runners-up in 1981 so will be hoping to go one further this year.
A shock 0-1 loss at home to Marine thwarted a four-game winning streak for Spennymoor – a run that saw them defeat in form Kidderminster (1-3) and Hereford (0-2 away). This season has equalled their best FA Trophy performance, so Graeme Lee’s side have an extra incentive on their long trip down south.
The Moors games have been entertaining, averaging 2.84 goals. In the FA Trophy so far they have beaten South Shields 2-1 (National League North), Alfreton 0-1 (National League North), Hampton & Richmond 0-2 (National League South) and Boston United (National League) on penalties. They face their toughest match yet as they are on the brink of history.
Prediction: Sutton 2-2 Spennymoor
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