Former Sutton midfielder Ed Hutchinson will return to Gander Green Lane on Friday July 13 as part of a strong Brentford team that will open Suttons 2001-2002 pre-season schedule.

The 19-year-old midfielders progress was one of the bright spots in Uniteds disappointing Nationwide Conference campaign two seasons ago.

He featured in the Bees side towards the end of last season, and will be looking to impress new manager Steve Coppell.

The game, arranged as part of the deal that took Hutchinson to Griffin Park, will also give Sutton supporters the first chance to see the new floodlights that have been installed at Gander Green Lane during the summer.

It is the first of four highly attractive games on the ground prior to the start of the 2001-2002 Ryman League campaign, with Wimbledon the visitors on Saturday, July 21 and a Chelsea XI providing the opposition on Monday, August 6.

On Tuesday, July 31 United will play Crystal Palace in a testimonial for Gwynne Berry, who made nearly 350 appearances for the club before taking over as Dulwich manager late last season.

Admission prices at Gander Green Lane this season remain unchanged at £7.

Sutton have received a home draw in the FA Cup for only the second time since John Rains took over as manager in 1996.

Exempt until the second qualifying round of this seasons competition. Sutton will have to wait until mid September to find out who has come through the two earlier rounds to earn a visit to Gander Green Lane on September 29.

Battling for that honour will be Chessington & Hook United (Combined Counties League), Didcot Town (Hellenic League), Eastleigh (Wessex League) or Tunbridge Wells (Kent League).

In the FA Trophy United will travel to Ryman League colleagues Hendon in the first round on November 3. The winners will be away to either Northwood or Maidenhead in the second round.

By.Tony Dolbear