Our relationship with the folks down at Sutton United has been a pretty on-off one since our Diadora League Premier Division. The period between 1992 and 1994 was the only time we’d spent two straight seasons in the same division. Well, that was until they broke new ground in gaining promotion to the Football League in 2021. We did have a single season together in the Conference in 1999-00. And it’s also worth noting that you have to go back a lot further than 1992 for our first encounter with the Us; a 4-1 defeat in the long-since forgotten Hitachi Cup.
Sutton United: The Facts
The Borough Sports Ground
Gander Green Lane, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 2EY
The story of the Us goes back to the late 19th century; 1898 and the result of a merger between Sutton Guild Rovers and Sutton Association to be exact. For much of their early history, the club stuck to local competitions – but couldn’t settle on a home ground. That was, however, they moved into their current home at Gander Green Lane for good just after World War One. In 1921, the next step was taken; securing a place in the Athenian League and going on to claim the title on three separate occasions. The first was in 1928, while the other two came after World War Two.
In 1963, the Us decided to join the Isthmian League. After a 40-year association with the Athenian League, this move started an association with the Isthmian that would endure just as long (on and off). Their 1966-7 title success would be the only time they came top of the pile until the 1980s; a decade that brought a fair amount of success to Gander Green Lane. Having inexplicably won the Anglo-Italian Cup in 1979, the Us won back-to-back Isthmian League titles in 1985 and 1986 respectively. They certainly were a strong force to be reckoned with in the competition.
Why do we know the Us?
It was during this purple patch that we first met Sutton United. The Hitachi Cup, we’re guessing, was the Isthmian’s own league cup competition. And the 1984-5 Round Three draw sent us down to their place. It was a comprehensive defeat. But an important learning curve for a Boro’ side just four years into its senior existence. By the time we came to meet them again, we were in a much stronger position. And the Us were somewhat chastened by their experience of going up to the Conference and coming back down again. Still, there’s always that win against Coventry City…
How to get to Sutton United – Travel Information – Distance: 47 miles
By Road
For Sutton, take the counter-clockwise M25 and come off at Junction 10 for the A3. Head towards central London. As you reach Tolworth, exit the A3 and take the fourth exit at the roundabout for the A240. After crossing a railway, take the second exit at the roundabout for the A240 Ewell Bypass (which becomes the A24) for nearly a mile.
Next, turn left onto the A232 Cheam Road. Go over one roundabout and – after 2.4 miles – take the first exit at the roundabout for Gander Green Lane and go up past West Sutton station for the ground.
The club’s own car park is for permit holders on match days. But don’t panic. You’ll find on-street parking in the local area. You might also want to think about one of the car parks in the town centre. These are only a 10-minute walk from the stadium.
By Rail
Station: WEST SUTTON
Services to: LONDON ST PANCRAS
Come out of the station onto Gander Green Lane and turn right. The stadium is not too far up here on the right.
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