Following on from Saturday’s 2-2 draw with the Hawks at Plainmoor, Gary Johnson’s men head for Hampshire to contest their Emirates FA Cup 4th Round Qualifying replay.
With a trip to League One Charlton Athletic waiting in the wings, there’s a sizeable reward in store for the side that emerges victorious at the Draper Tools Community Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Who’s the boss?
Paul Doswell took charge of the Hawks in April 2019 on a three-year deal following their relegation from the National League.
Doswell has also been at the helm at Eastleigh, but it is his eleven-year stint at Sutton United is what he is renowned for. He guided the side to promotion to the National League in 2016 with the U’s finishing 6 points clear at the top.
The following season saw Sutton retain their league place, but it was the F.A Cup run of that season that put Doswell and Sutton in people’s minds.
The cup run saw them knock out league opponents AFC Wimbledon before causing cup upset for Championship side Leeds United at Gander Green Lane. The Leeds result earned Sutton a fifth-round home tie against Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal side. Despite a gallant effort Sutton succumbed to a 2-0 defeat in front of the TV cameras.
Player to Watch
Having netted his side’s first equaliser moments after entering the fray on Saturday, Havant centre-forward Alex Wall is sure to be one to watch again in tomorrow’s replay.
After beginning his career with Thatcham Town, 31 year-old Wall has gone on to earn himself a reputation as a prolific scorer in non-League circles, having represented a number of clubs including Maidenhead, Bromley & Concord – as well as a brief stint in the EFL with Luton. Those are just a few of the previous sides to have benefitted from his strength, power and goals, prior to Alex signing for Paul Doswell’s side in the summer.
Played for both
Having enjoyed a year-long loan stint at Plainmoor for Paul Buckle’s Gulls in 2009/10, Scot Rendell endeared himself to the Yellow Army, as his goals helped United settle back in the Football League again, following a two-year stay in English football’s fifth tier.
After scoring on his debut in a 2-0 home win over Chesterfield, Scott went on to grab twelve more before the season was out, before a return to Peterborough paved the way for a permanent move to Wycombe Wanderers.
Now 34, Rendell remains a potent goal threat, and having played against Torquay several times before and after his stint on the English Riviera, Johnson’s men will have to remain on their guard, should he make another appearance in the opposition camp tomorrow.