Part-timers Sutton score shock victory in FA Cup fourth round
making 10 changes to his line-up. Collins’ second-half spot-kick ensured Sutton joined Lincoln in the fifth round – the first time two non-league teams have made it to the last 16.
Doswell admitted he will not have much time to celebrate their latest giantkilling exploits, as he has to be up for work on Monday morning.
And the 50-year-old property developer already has an inkling about who his side might be paired with in tonight’s draw.
“It’s a huge achievement by the players and the club to get to the last 16,” he said. “I can’t praise the players enough. Every time they’ve been asked a question they have responded. Lincoln were an inspiration for us, and I can almost guarantee that will be the draw!”
Monk’s side, packed full of youngsters and including two debutants – neither of whom were even named in the squad line-up on the back of the programme – struggled badly on Sutton’s artificial pitch.
Roarie Deacon had a goal harshly disallowed after five minutes and the winger, whose five goals in the competition had fired Sutton this far, continued to torment the Sky Bet Championship side for the rest of the first half.
Sutton got the breakthrough they deserved six minutes into the second half, thanks to some shambolic Leeds defending.
Goalkeeper Marco Silvestri came out to meet Maxime Biamou but succeeded only in colliding with team-mate Lewie Coyle, taking the Sutton forward out and giving referee Stuart Attwell little option but to point to the spot.
Collins stepped up and nervelessly sent Silvestri the wrong way to spark wild celebrations on the old-style terraces behind the goal.
As if Leeds’ afternoon could not get any worse, they were reduced to 10 men with 10 minutes left after captain Liam Cooper was sent off for a foul on Craig Eastmond.
Monk took the blame for the defeat, saying: “It’s a frustrating result and a frustrating performance but it’s my responsibility. I’m the one who selects the team. All credit to Sutton. We wish them all the best in the next round.”