Nantwich Town 1
Sutton Coldfield Town 0
League (NPL Premier Division)

Match Report

Nantwich Town bounced back from defeat at Blyth with a hard-earned 1-0 win over Sutton Coldfield.

Ben Harrison’s goal was enough to earn all three points for the Dabbers on a cold, damp night at the Weaver Stadium.

The victory was vital for Nantwich to maintain their Evo-Stik Premier League play-off hopes.

Man of the match Harrison powered in his goal (pictured) in the 31st minute after good pressure on a stubborn Sutton Coldfield rearguard.

The victory moves Nantwich up to eighth place in the league, with games in hand over most of the sides above them.

Nantwich dominated for large parts of the match in front of 225 supporters, with Sutton keeper James Wren forced into a series of saves.

The visitors were generally restricted to long range efforts, with few troubling Nantwich stopper Gyollai.

Dabbers manager Phil Parkinson said after the game his team was “not at its best” but was happy they were able to battle out a victory.

“Our players are learning how to win 1-0,” he said.

“We’ve had more 1-0 wins this season than I can remember at the Weaver.

“It’s not going to be pretty at times, and we need to have that side to our game.

“Sutton had only lost one in seven games, so they are probably near the top of the form table at the moment.

“So it was never going to be an easy game for us. They were never going to come here and roll over.

“It was nice to score from a set piece, and I thought we could have a couple more.

“I thought the fans were outstanding as well. They really helped us get through a tough time, and when they are like that it gives the players confidence.

“I was bitterly disappointed with Blyth away, but I think that team is going to win the league.

“So it shows our aspirations to be unhappy about being beaten there.”

Match report written by the Nantwich News