Sutton United Vs Barrow

Matchday 35 (completed ground Number 34), meticulously planned three months in advance, unfolded as a delightful Christmas surprise for Liam.

I extend my profound gratitude to the Sutton United staff, with special commendations to Phil, Sam, and, notably, Ryan. Their collective efforts made this matchday an unparalleled experience, leaving an indelible mark on both Liam and me.

In November, I initiated contact with Sutton to ascertain the ticket release date for this particular match, elucidating the purpose behind our visit to the VBS Community Stadium. The subsequent responses were nothing short of heartwarming. Liam received an invitation to be one of the mascots, enhancing the memorability of the day. Opting for the hospitality package, reasonably priced at £45 per adult and £14 per child, we decided to express our appreciation by purchasing the Sutton kit. The club, in an additional act of goodwill, graciously agreed to affix the letters/numbers on the kit without charge, acknowledging the challenges posed by our endeavour to visit all 92 football league grounds.

Over the ensuing weeks, Sutton and I maintained regular communication, ensuring meticulous planning for a truly memorable visit.

Approaching the game, Sutton reached out to enquire about any pre-orders for drinks and merchandise. Requesting a matchday scarf – a tradition we uphold at every ground – Sutton surprised us with an offer to provide the scarf as a complimentary memento of the day.

I cannot overstate the depth of my gratitude towards Sutton. Their exceptional treatment stands in stark contrast to larger clubs, portraying Sutton as a football club with a huge heart. They have gained new admirers who pledge to follow their progress both home and away in the coming seasons.

Accompanying myself and Liam on this matchday were my brother Gus, his daughter Leah, and father-in-law Steve. With Leah experiencing her first-ever football match, Gus joined to capture valuable footage, ensuring that both Liam and I could savour the day to the fullest. My sincere thanks to Gus for his invaluable contribution.

Our day commenced with a customary Tim Horton’s breakfast, setting the tone for a leisurely journey to Sutton with ample time to spare. The journey, spanning just over 2.5 hours, proved to be delightful, devoid of any traffic-related inconveniences, even along the M25.

Scheduled for hospitality at 12:30, our early arrival at 11:15 allowed us time for photographs and engaging with staff, including a conversation with the security guard about our unique adventure. Gaining access to the hospitality lounge after 12:00, Sam warmly welcomed us, directing us to our table adorned with a welcoming scarf. A visit to the bar preceded the arrival of our sumptuous meal. We were privileged to witness the inaugural address of Sutton’s new manager to supporters and guests within the hospitality lounge, an experience that added to the day’s richness. The meal, comprising Chicken Pie, Vegetables, Roast Potatoes with gravy (served with sausage and chips for Leah), concluded with a delectable fruit crumble and custard, or a bowl of ice cream for the younger guests.

As part of the hospitality, we were introduced to the entire assembly during a mid-speech, a gesture that resonated warmly with all the guests present.

The mascot element, expertly orchestrated by Ryan, commenced after the meal, encompassing a guided tour of the boardroom and changing rooms before heading out to the pitch. To our surprise, Leah was offered the chance to partake in the day’s events, a testament to the exceptional hospitality extended by Sutton. Liam, walking out with his favourite Sutton player Omari Patrick, later received the player’s signature on his shirt.

Despite Sutton’s position at the bottom of the league and Barrow starting the day in 4th place, the game showcased Sutton’s commendable performance, culminating in a thrilling 2-2 draw – a result that both the manager and supporters would have embraced at the commencement of the day.

Post-game, Liam obtained several player signatures in his program, and Ryan generously arranged to have Liam and Leah’s shirts signed by all the players and send back to us at a later date – an exemplary demonstration of Sutton and Ryan’s commitment to crafting an unforgettable memory.

Our journey home transpired seamlessly, devoid of any traffic-related hurdles. Despite staying approximately 30 minutes after the game, we reached home by 20:00.

In conclusion, I express my sincere appreciation to Sam, Phil, and Ryan for their extraordinary efforts in ensuring our visit to Gander Lane was exceptional. I extend my best wishes to Sutton for the remainder of the season, and I will be eagerly following, hoping for continued success as this football club truly merits it.

Now, let’s delve into ten fascinating facts about Sutton United:

1. Founded in 1898: Sutton United Football Club was established in 1898 and has a rich history spanning over a century.
2. Gander Green Lane: The club’s home ground, Gander Green Lane, has been witness to numerous historic moments and remains a focal point for Sutton United supporters.
3. The U’s: Sutton United is affectionately known as “The U’s,” a moniker that reflects the club’s proud identity.
4. FA Cup Giant Killers: Sutton United gained national prominence in the 1988-89 season when they defeated top-tier club Coventry City in the FA Cup, earning them the label of giant killers.
5. National League: The club competes in the National League, the fifth tier of the English football league system.
6. Plastic Pitch Pioneers: Sutton United made history by being one of the first clubs to use an artificial (plastic) pitch, a pioneering move in English football.
7. Record FA Cup Run: Sutton United’s memorable FA Cup run in the 2016-17 season saw them reach the fifth round, an unprecedented achievement for a non-league club in the modern era.
8. Community Engagement: Sutton United is actively involved in community engagement initiatives, fostering a strong bond with local residents and supporters.
9. The Amber and Chocolate: The club’s traditional colors are amber and chocolate brown, creating a distinctive and recognizable kit.
10. Supporter-Owned: Sutton United is proud to be a supporter-owned club, emphasizing the importance of fan involvement in the club’s decision-making processes.