Matt Gray hails Sutton’s character following late comeback win against Swindon

Posted Wednesday, February 15, 2023 by PA

Proud Sutton boss Matt Gray hailed his side’s character following their smash-and-grab 2-1 victory over Swindon.

Jody Morris looked destined to pick up his first points as Robins boss thanks to Charlie Austin’s fourth goals in six games since signing for the club last month.

But substitute Lee Angol equalised in the 85th minute and there was still time for Ali Smith to win it with three minutes to spare at Gander Green Lane.

And after a fifth win in a six-game unbeaten run at home, Gray beamed: “It was a great second-half performance from us.

“Again we looked so strong, so fit and so powerful. The legs, the energy and the desire to go and win it at the end was fantastic.

“You didn’t even see the heads drop when Matty Dennis hits the bar with less than 10 minutes to go.

“You can easily think that’s game over and it’s not to be our night, but we keep pushing and pushing and get the equaliser.

“When we equalised I could just look at the players and I knew we would push for that winner.

“I’m delighted it came because it was thoroughly deserved.

“It was a disappointing goal to concede. The difference in that half was the organisation.

“Charlie Austin, what a good player and career he’s had by the way, takes his chance.

“We had three or four chances but didn’t manage to work the keeper.

“It was much better in the second half and I’m delighted with the win.”

Swindon suffered a third defeat on the spin as Morris’ search for a welcome first point in charge went on.

Frank Lampard’s former number two said: “Listen, we can all stand here and moan that it’s a foul on the goalkeeper for the first goal, but we contributed to that ourselves.

“We could see that they were going a lot more direct and we have to deal with headers better, we have to compete better in our box.

“It’s a foul on the goalkeeper all day, but you could see that was coming and we need to do better when the game’s not going our way.

“You’ve got to stick your head on things and clear your lines, but the referee’s also got to do their job.

“It’s disappointing that the minute we concede a goal our heads go down and you’ve got a deflection that takes it past Sol (Brynn).

“Football can be cruel, but I’ve said to the lads that regardless of the fact the referee has missed an obvious foul on the goalkeeper, we have to do better to give ourselves the chance to see out the game.”