Sutton 1 Altrincham 0

Altrincham conceded early on their way to a narrow opening away game defeat to Sutton United at Gander Green Lane.

After some good early possession the Robins inadvertently found themselves behind on nine minutes. A defensive miscommunication allowed Temi Babalola to tee up David Ogbonna who finished low past Owen Evans from eight yards.

It was Sutton's only real chance until right at the end of stoppage time in the first half, as Alty dominated the ball for the opening 45 minutes without creating too much in the final third.

Liam Humbles and Jack Hinchy both had efforts blocked inside the box, and Sam Taylor worked Man City loanee keeper Spike Brits with a dipping cross-shot.

Luckily for the visitors the goalpost saved them going two down just before the break after Besart Topalloj failed to get a clean strike away inside Alty's six yard box.

The second half carried on in the same vein, with Alty taking the initiative to Sutton. Lucas Weaver tested Brits' concentration with a low shot and Tom Crawford shot over after good work from Humbles and Otis Khan, but still the equaliser wouldn't come.

A late bit of pressure saw a number of crosses fly into the home box, with one almost put past his own goalie by Sutton defender Will Nightingale, but ultimately the day finished in frustrating fashion for the Robins as United held on to claim the three points.

Sutton Brits; Topallaj, Nightingale, Bell (Bello, 85'), Osadebe, Taylor (c) (Mussa, 31'), Babalola, Urpens, Ogbonna (Njoku, 85'), Francis, Nzuzi (Folarin, 62'). Subs not used: Haigh, Kirk, Ruiz.

Altrincham Evans; Banks, Hinchy (Raymond, 86'), Cooper, Khan, Humbles (Kirk, 82'), Barlow, Taylor, Weaver (Knowles, 60'), Lopata-White (Breckin, 82'), Crawford (c). Subs not used: Firth, Bailey, Forde.

HT 1-0

Goals Ogbonna 9' | None

Yellows Nzuzi 29' | Weaver 56', Cooper 70'

Reds None | None

Referee George Laflin

Assistants James Hurst & Karl Sear

Fourth official Redmond Egan

Next Up

On the road again next Saturday as we head for Lincolnshire to take on Boston United in an early kick-off at the Jakemans Community Stadium (12:30pm).

Away section tickets are available from our hosts here and Union Golf Road away travel is on sale here.