LEMON PUTS THE SQUEEZE ON U’S
Sub Sam fires late leveller
RYMAN Premier Worthing extended their unbeaten run to 14 matches, while Sutton United once again failed to turn away dominance into victory at Woodside Road thanks to Worthing’s 17-year-old substitute Sam Lemon.
Paul Doswell’s U’s had most of the first half possession and came closest to scoring with a curling shot from Bradley HudsonOdoi which rattled the crossbar.
Craig McAllister won almost every aerial ball and Roarie Deacon buzzed around the edge of the box, but it was Worthing who had the better chances and it was no surprise when they went ahead three minutes before the interval.
Lloyd Dawes and Omar Bugiel went into this match with an equal share of 42 goals this season, and Dawes had already managed to see a well-taken shot hit the bar as well as forcing a one handed save from Ross Worner.
But it was Bugiel who made the breakthrough. Gaining possession just inside the opposition half he set off on a run towards goal, defenders in close attendance.
He had Dawes to his left and 16year-old Luke Brodie to his right but chose to ignore them both, reaching the edge of the box and firing an unstoppable drive inside Worner’s left hand post.
Doswell made two changes at half-time, and his National League side started the second period rejuvenated.
Indeed, it took them just eight minutes to draw level, Deacon pouncing on a knock down to fire expertly home from the edge of the box.
United continued to dominate, and Jack Fagan had to be on hand to make a crucial save from Craig Dundas, before the away side deservedly went ahead with 11 minutes to go, the continually impressive Adam May the first to react after the ball pinged around the Worthing box. McAllister could have made the game safe two minutes later, but headed wide.
But Worthing weren’t done. Ross Edwards headed wide when left unmarked from a corner, and then, with five minutes left, Dawes sped away down the right and picked out a pinpoint cross for 17-year-old substitute Lemon to head home the equaliser – and his first senior goal.
There were chances at both ends during the remaining ten minutes, but an enthralling match ended honours even and Sutton now turn their attention to an FA Cup third round replay with AFC Wimbledon – and a possible televised home tie with Leeds United.