All of yesterday’s action from the National Leagues

TWO STUNNING strikes in the last 20 minutes from Tommy Wright, Sutton’s match-winner at Dagenham in midweek, enabled Sutton to record backto-back National League wins for the first time this season and make it three victories in their last four league outings.

Wright’s first goal, a vicious shot from 25 yards, came four minutes after Josh Falkingham’s fine individual effort had brought Harrogate level, and Sutton manager Matt Gray was delighted with his team’s reaction to that setback.

“I wasn’t that pleased with the first half hour, but after we scored I thought we were excellent,” Gray said. “I was worried that we weren’t going to get what we deserved when they equalised, but we responded brilliantly and it was great to see us take our chances in front of our own supporters.’’

Harrogate boss Simon Weaver agreed that the result was a fair one.

“We didn’t deserve anything today,” the Town manager said. “We didn’t match their spirit and endeavour, and made it difficult for ourselves with our final ball, so it’s a disappointing afternoon.’’

After a scrappy opening in which Will Smith headed over for Harrogate and Ben Wyatt drove a 25-yard effort just too high for U’s, the home side went in front just before the half hour when Kyel Reid broke down the right and laid the ball back for Craig Eastmond, whose cross found Harry Beautyman getting in behind the defence to dive and head the ball past James Belshaw for his 8th league goal of the season.

Sutton had to make a change at half time, David Ajiboye replacing the injured Kenny Davis, and within five minutes of coming on Ajiboye had created a shooting opportunity only to see his effort blocked in the six yard box.

Omar Bugiel headed just over from a right wing cross, while at the other end Louis John had to clear off the line in a goalmouth scramble following a corner.

But midway through the half Harrogate levelled when Falkingham burst through the middle, showing great control to shrug off two challenges and round Nik Tzanev before tapping in to the net. Within four minutes, though, Sutton were back in front in spectacular style as the ball fell to Wright outside the penalty area and his thumping shot flew through Belshaw’s grasp in to the roof of the net.

Six minutes from time the England C striker, who missed all but the first two months of last season through injury, showed again that he is getting back close to his best as he chased a first time through ball from Eastmond, turned inside a defender and drove his shot beyond Belshaw to secure the points for U’s.