Sutton’s crossbar challenge
SUTTON boss Paul Doswell admitted to a “sense of disappointment” after his non-Leaguers drew with AFC Wimbledon.
Two famous names from FA Cups past could not be separated as the muchanticipated south-west London derby clash ended in a stalemate.
But Sutton had by far the better of the match against the League One Dons with striker Maxime Biamou clipping the crossbar in the first half and drawing a fine save from James Shea in the second.
“I thought we had the two best chances of the game,” said Doswell.
“We restricted them to very little so from that perspective I have to be very happy.
“There’s a sense of disappointment because I think everyone was hoping for a last-minute winner, but I’ve told the players they could not have done any more.
“I think we did the Conference justice. In fact I would say we looked more like the League One team.”
Doswell admitted his heart was in his mouth late on when Dons’ captain Barry Fuller tumbled in the area under a challenge from sub Bradley HudsonOdoi.
He added: “Live it looks a penalty but the referee got it right and thank God he did!”
AFC Wimbledon have yet to reach the fourth round of the cup since they were re-formed in 2002 following the old Wimbledon’s relocation to Milton Keynes.
Dons manager Neal Ardley said: “I definitely thought they edged it, but I expected them to.
“I never came here thinking this would be an easy game. I was very concerned about the [3G artificial] pitch and their home form over the last 18 months proves what a good team they are.
“Paul said it himself that teams don’t like coming here and playing on this pitch. I knew it wouldn’t suit us and I knew we would need a lot of qualities to be in the hat for the next round, and that was our remit.” Possession Shots On Target Shots Off Target Blocked Shots Corners Fouls Conceded Offsides Yellow Cards Red Cards 48% 52% 2 3 7 5 2 2 2 6 14 12 0 0 4 2 0 0