Stadium Information
With a maximum capacity of 5,013 passionate supporters, Gander Green Lane is Sutton's home - and it has been since 1912. The U's have played their football at this iconic little ground for over 100 years and fans are very proud of the club's history and heritage. If truth be told, Sutton have some of the best facilities in the fifth tier of English football - although Arsenal may argue against that after their visit to the Borough Sports Ground in the FA Cup earlier this season. On a normal Saturday, Sutton regularly attract over 2,000 supporters through the door and they are only going to get more popular next season; reaching the fifth round of the FA Cup has helped put little Sutton United on the map.
If segregation is required, away fans are usually housed in the Collingwood Road End. This area is covered, offering some shelter from the weather if the rain arrives, but also gives fans the chance to generate noise. With a decent array of catering options available inside the ground, fans can get their food fix and enjoy a terrific atmosphere at a very good price.
Recent History
Sutton have enjoyed plenty of success in recent years and head coach Paul Doswell is one of the main reasons for their rise to prominence. Last season, Sutton were crowned champions of the National League South with a game to spare and this year, they finished a respectable 12th in the National League - an incredible effort considering their FA Cup excursions. The U's were simply sublime in this year's competition and beat a number of Football League clubs on their way to the fifth round certainly helped to win over a few neutrals.
Sutton turned over League Two's Cheltenham 2-1 at home in the second round on December 3, 2016, before a further victory followed in a 3-1 third-round replay over League One's AFC Wimbledon away from home on January 17, 2017. Sutton enjoyed 53 percent possession in the contest, as reported by Soccer Way, and ultimately converted their six chances into three goals; the EFL side failed to capitalise on their seven attempts. Former Arsenal youth prospect Roarie Deacon proved influential in Sutton's victory, scoring one and assisting another.
Perhaps the most impressive victory in the club's 119-year history, however, came at Gander Green Lane in the fourth round against Championship promotion hopefuls Leeds United. Jamie Collins' penalty ultimately proved the difference in a scrappy contest, with Sutton delirious after a memorable 1-0 victory. Arsenal, priced at 7/4 with Bet Way as of May 10, 2017 to go on and win the FA Cup, found it tough against Sutton in the next round - ultimately beating them 2-0 - and the U's will at least know that they lost to the eventual champions if the Gunners go on to lift the trophy.
Facilities & Travel
You can enjoy a beverage inside the stadium itself or venture over to the opposite side of the road outside the ground to find The Plough public house. With an extensive list of well-priced beers, you will be spoilt for choice. If there is a particularly large away following, it may prove prudent to congregate here for ease of access to the ground. According to Sutton's club website, match day parking for the 2016-17 season was for car park ticket holders only. If you aren't a regular to Gander Green Lane, you will need to scour the local side streets for parking - there are plenty of suitable spots within walking distance of the stadium. On really busy days, town centre car parks are a 5-10 minute walk away from the ground.
Conveniently, West Sutton railway station is immediately adjacent to the ground - making it the perfect location to attend the football via public transport. Served by Thameslink trains via either Wimbledon or Sutton, train users should leave West Sutton station before turning right into Gander Green Lane. The stadium, standing tall in all of its glory, is just 100 yards in front of you; you can't miss it.
The Games to See
In terms of local derbies, a fair few of Sutton's oldest enemies are in different divisions in the English football ladder. Carshalton Athletic are their closest rivals, with both located in the London Borough of Sutton - although they haven't clashed in over five years; their last head to head was back in July 2011. However, you'd have to say that Woking and Bromley are two of their biggest rivals in the National League and fans will already be looking forward to the chance to face both sides at Gander Green Lane next season.
