SUTTON UNITED v HARTLEPOOL UNITED
Today, Kick-Off: 12.45pm live on BT Sport
THE SECONDS have felt like minutes, the minutes have felt like hours and the hours have felt like days for Sutton United manager Matt Gray.
The 39-year-old has had one of the longest weeks of his life waiting for the U's latest date with destiny when they take on Hartlepool United this lunchtime.
Sutton are on the cusp of clinching the National League title with two games to play and in doing so would produce one of the best success stories in Non- League football.
“That's why you're in football, you want to be in these games at the business end of the season,” Gray told The NLP. “If you'd have said we were in this position to get into the play-offs at the start of the season I'd have bitten your hand off.
“Someone told me the other day we've created history with the club's highest-ever points tally in the top tier and highest-ever league finish. We've already set records and it's a history-making season, but we want the end prize and the big goal and we're two games away from it.
“It's definitely felt like a long week. We've been used to such a quick turnaround between games. It's felt relentless and this week feels calmer and more relaxed. After three wins on the bounce you're desperate to get into the next game.”
Sutton took a big step towards the Football League last weekend with a 3-0 victory at Maiden- head United and then watched title rivals Torquay United drop points in a 2-2 draw with Stockport County the following day. Centre-back Louis John scored the U's third from inside his own half with his weaker left foot to increase the feeling that it is their year.
“The games get bigger and bigger as the season comes to an end,” said Gray, below. “It's been very much about seeing if we can keep putting the results on the board, but, of course, you look at other results.
“I watched the Torquay game, it was a nice feeling knowing whatever the outcome it would still be in our hands. I thought it was a good spectacle for the league and two really good sides.”
Sutton made it five wins in six last week despite missing playmaker Harry Beautyman, who had started every game this season but was absent with injury.
Chance
Gray says his midfield star has “every chance” of returning for the Hartlepool clash having trained on Thursday and an extra day of preparation yesterday.
Beautyman is a top pick for the National League Team of the Season just like the majority of his teammates
“It's an unbelievable record,” Gray said of Beautyman's consistent appearances and performances. “He's such a fit lad, he runs all day and if he does pick up a knock his recovery rate is excellent.
“I'm pleased with all my team, they've been absolutely brilliant for me. We've done great and I'll let other people praise our players and pick teams of the season, I've just got to try and pick the team to win on Sunday!”
Standing in their way is a Hartlepool side gunning for third spot and a direct route into the play-off semi-finals.
But Sutton will be spurred on by just over 1,000 supporters inside Gander Green Lane.
“It's been the biggest shame that with the season we've had the supporters haven't been there to witness it,” added Gray. “We've felt their support, the messages on social media and we're absolutely delighted to have them there this weekend.
“We're playing against a very good side with a good manager. We're hugely proud of what we've done but we just want to get over the line.”
