We played Snodland Town three times last year, we know each other well and they are a very good side challenging for promotion, says Sutton Athletic coach Tristan Cropley

SUTTON ATHLETIC coach Tristan Cropley says he doesn’t want history to repeat itself tomorrow.

Daniel Kelly and Cropley take their side back to Snodland Town in The FA Vase Second Qualifying Round, having lost to the same opponents at the same stage of last season’s competition, going down to a 4-1 defeat.

The newly-promoted Hextable outfit go into the tie sitting in the bottom three in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table, with five points from as many games.

Luke Wallond’s side, meanwhile, sit in third place in the Southern Counties East Football League First Division table with 15 points on the board from their nine league outings.

“We have had a steady start to the new season.  We knew it would be challenging with the step-up in level and it’s now for us to meet that challenge,” said Cropley on the eve of the game.

“Our opening day win against Canterbury City was pleasing, as well as how we battled back to get a draw at home to Glebe.”

Sutton Athletic went down to a 2-0 defeat at Tunbridge Wells in their last outing on 13 September.

“The quintessential game of two halves,” added Cropley.  “We started the brighter against Tunbridge Wells and had four good opportunities in the first half to take the lead into the break.  It didn’t happen and at half-time it was 0-0.

“Tunbridge Wells increased their intensity in the second half and they got a deserved 2-0 win.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s FA Vase re-run, Cropley said: “We played Snodland Town three times last season in the league and in The FA Vase.

“We know each other well and they are a very good side.  They’ve started well this season and I expect them to be challenging for promotion.

“Their home form is excellent and we know if we are to be in the next round of The FA Vase, we will have to be at our best.

“After two match free weekends we are almost at full strength.  We have one or two away on holiday, which is the same for most sides at our level at this stage of the season.”

Snodland Town  v  Sutton Athletic
The Isuza FA Vase Second Qualifying Round
Saturday 24 September 2022
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Potyn’s Sports Field, Snodland Community Centre, Paddlesworth Road, Snodland, Kent ME6 5DP