Sutton's wretched recent run in the FA Cup showed no sign of improving on Saturday as they went out at the third qualifying stage for the second season running.

Since John Rains took over in 1996 Sutton have failed to progress beyond the qualifying rounds, though of 13 ties in the competition in that time U's have been drawn at home in two. Grounds on which previous years' hopes have foundered have included Cheltenham and Rushden, so maybe it shouldn't have been a surprise when U's were handed the trip to Aldershot.

Nevertheless, after last Tuesday's win when the sides met in the Ryman League, and with a good record in recent games against the Shots', Sutton could afford to go to the Recreation Ground with an optimism that remained intact for 40 minutes.

Ten minutes and three goals later U's hopes were in ruins. Three of the former U's players humbled on Tuesday, Paul Harford, Mark Watson and Scott Forrester failed to make the starting line-up this time and the fourth, Gareth Howells, made sure that U's weren't able to press home the advantage from that game. Early on he turned away Rob Haworth's shot after the striker had combined well with Eddie Akuamoah at the end of a move started by Danny Arkwright.

That was just about as close as U's were to come, though, and Chuck Martini soon became the busier keeper, tipping over a Jason Chewins' free kick, awarded for a foul that earned Mike Mison one of three first half bookings. Leon Townley and Stafford Browne also went close following free kicks, but just when it seemed that U's might reach the interval level Browne was put through by Grant Payne to beat Martini at his near post.

Worse followed as a defensive lapse allowed Payne to score a second before the half time. AndU's had any thoughts of a second half fightback they were undermined within four minutes of the restart as Browne, on the bench last Tuesday, controlled Lee Protheroe's cross with a good first touch that beat U's defence, and drove a shot in to the far corner of Martini's net.

There was never any doubt after that as to who would be in Monday's 4th qualifying round draw. Browne might have had a hat trick but for a good save by Martini towards the end of the game.

October 26, 2001 15:30