Sutton's storming start to the new season more than Matt Gray could have dreamed of

Sutton United boss Matt Gray admitted his side’s performance in their League Two opening day victory against Notts County was beyond anything he could have dreamed of.

The U’s ran out 5-1 winners against newly-promoted County at Gander Green Lane, and could have won by an even greater margin as the visitors fell apart after the early sending off of goalkeeper Aidan Stone.

A debut brace for Omari Patrick was added to by goals from Joe Kizzi, Harry Beautyman and Harry Smith, as not even a David McGoldrick consolation could dampen Gray’s spirits on a sopping wet afternoon in south London.

Asked whether he felt the day was going to play out so well as his head hit the pillow on Friday night, Gray’s response was typically honest. “No, not really!” he said.

“You’re always a little bit anxious, nervous and excited for the first game because of all the work you’ve put in over pre-season, the six weeks leading up to this.

“It’s nice to get your first win and we’re up and running now.”

County arrived at Gander Green Lane fancied by bookmakers and pundits alike to put up a serious challenge for a second consecutive promotion after they won the National League play-off final last term.

Despite the addition of McGoldrick, who scored 22 goals in League One for Derby in the 2022-23 season, they were caught off guard by a blistering Sutton start.

Kizzi’s headed opener arrived within the first two minutes, and the visitors were down to 10 men after quarter of an hour after goalkeeper Stone brought down Scott Kashket.

“I was delighted to get off to that start,” said Gray. “They’re a top side, I think they’ll be there or thereabouts but we caught them in those first 15 minutes where we really got after them.

“We won the game in the first 15 minutes.”

The rest of the afternoon belonged to Patrick and his fellow new signings, as after the winger had notched his brace, Aidan O’Brien came off the bench to set up Beautyman before Smith headed in a debut goal.

Gray has overseen a squad overhaul over the summer, with 12 players leaving Gander Green Lane and 10 coming in.

Seven of the new faces featured on the opening day, and the Sutton boss has been pleased with the way all of his new recruits have slotted into his squad.

“I’ve been impressed with how they have integrated into the squad,” he said. “[They are] good lads, good people. They’re got legs, desire and the hunger to play for us, and they’ve got the quality to show for it.

“But I am just as pleased with the old guard who are still right there with me. This is a fresh new squad and I am delighted with where we are at.”

Despite an incredible afternoon that left Sutton top of the nascent fourth tier table, there was a greater concern for Gray than McGoldrick’s 69th minute consolation goal.

The EFL have introduced new laws for the 2023-24 season that aim to more accurately calculate added-on time during matches.

There were 10 minutes of added time in both halves of Saturday’s game, and Gray feels the new initiative will cause more problems than it will solve.

“I’m really concerned about the number of injuries this could cause in every squad, not just mine,” he said.

“It’s like players are playing a cup game with extra time in every single game. I’ve got concerns for fitness and their legs, and how teams are going to cope with this.

“Officials are only doing their jobs, what they’ve been asked to do. It’s the same for everyone but I’m concerned.”