U’S SOLDIER ON WITH AIR OF OPTIMISM

SUTTON United will fly the National League flag in the last 16 of the Irn-Bru Cup after Tommy Wright’s first-class goal was enough to earn a victory away to Scottish League One side Airdrie.

Sutton held on for a hard fought win thanks to a brilliant late save from Ross Worner, playing his first full game since the FA Cup tie against Arsenal 18 months ago.

Sutton had an early chance when Dean Beckwith’s header was saved by goalkeeper David Hutton before a mistake from Aswad Thomas allowed Dale Carrick to go through on goal but his shot flew just wide of the far post.

What proved to be the winner came midway through the half when Wright collected a pass from Tom Bolarinwa, beat defender Kieran MacDonald and drove a low shot into the far corner.

The scores were almost level just before half time but Worner came off his line quickly to deny Leighton McIntosh.

Early in the second half Sutton twice came close to doubling the lead, firstly when Josh Taylor curled a shot just wide after a fine run from midfield, and then when Hutton pushed away an effort from Wright that was heading for the bottom corner of the net.

Airdrie’s best chance for an equaliser came when MacDonald’s cross was met by an unmarked Scott Robinson at the far post but he was unable to put his header on target.

With Sutton seemingly comfortable, they had one final scare in the dying seconds when a cross from the left found Carrick whose overhead kick was superbly kept out by Worner’s reflex save to prevent the tie from going to penalties and send Paul Doswell’s side into the third round.