On a rollicking afternoon at The J. Davidson Stadium on 6th September 2025, Altrincham staged a sensational 2-1 comeback to sink Sutton United, with James Gale’s 80th-minute tap-in clinching a third win in four National League games.
The victory catapults Phil Parkinson’s Robins to 7th in the league, while Sutton United tumble to 22nd, reeling from their fifth defeat of the season. With both teams back in action on Saturday, 13th September, this match was a proper taster for more National League fireworks.
First Half: Sutton’s Early Smirk
Sutton United started like they’d been promised a free pint at half-time, pressing Altrincham’s defence into a right tizzy. Their early graft paid off in the 22nd minute when Ashley Nadesan, with the slyness of a fox, flicked home a clever finish.
The move began with Liam Vincent, back from suspension and buzzing like he’d nicked an extra shot of espresso, linking up with Jayden Harris, who darted to the by-line and whipped in a cut-back sharper than a chef’s knife.
Nadesan’s deft touch left Alty keeper Luke Hutchinson fishing the ball out of his net and probably wondering if he’d jinxed himself by walking under a ladder.
Altrincham, not ones to chuck a wobbly, hit back with some spark. James Gale fired a shot that had Sutton’s Jack Sims diving like he was trying to win a gold medal in synchronised swimming.
Kahrel Reddin, scampering down the right like he’d borrowed a cheetah’s legs, caused all sorts of havoc, but the Robins couldn’t find the net before the break, trailing 0-1 and likely grumbling about needing a stronger cuppa in the dressing room.
Second Half: Altrincham’s Cheeky Comeback
Whatever Phil Parkinson slipped into the half-time biscuits, it worked a treat.
Substitutes Tom Crawford and Sam Barnes charged onto the pitch like they’d been offered a free kebab for their efforts, and just six minutes after the restart, Altrincham levelled the score. Elliot Osborne’s tantalising cross found Jimmy Knowles, who nodded home his third goal of the season with the confidence of a bloke who’d just found a fiver in his jeans.
The 1,604 fans – including 77 hardy Sutton supporters who’d braved the M6 – went bananas as the Robins clawed their way back.
The game turned into a proper rollercoaster. In the 57th minute, Hutchinson pulled off a save so ridiculous it could’ve sold out a Vegas magic show, somehow denying Nadesan’s point-blank effort.
Reddin, meanwhile, was running Sutton’s defence ragged, leaving them dizzier than a kid after a go on the teacups.
The winger, was a one-man wrecking ball, and his relentless raids paved the way for the winner.
In the 80th minute, Reddin, still zipping about like he’d mainlined a double espresso, whipped in a cross that Crawford met with a thunderous header. Sims tipped it onto the bar with a save so good it deserved its own TikTok trend, but Gale was lurking like a kid waiting for the birthday cake to be cut, tapping in the rebound to send the home crowd into meltdown.
Altrincham’s comeback was complete, and Sutton’s defence looked like they’d just realised they’d left the iron on.
Late Drama and Defensive Grit
Sutton threw everything forward in eight minutes of stoppage time – kitchen sink, toaster, and probably a kettle for good measure. Lewis Simper unleashed a long-range screamer that Hutchinson tipped away with the reflexes of a cat dodging a surprise bath.
Altrincham’s backline, led by the unflappable Lewis Baines, stood firm, ensuring Sutton’s late surge was about as effective as a chocolate fireguard.
The Robins bagged a crucial three points, soaring to 7th in the National League, while Sutton’s fifth loss left them languishing in 22nd.
Key Performances and Tactical Chuckles
Kahrel Reddin was the star of the show, tearing down the wing like he was late for a chippy tea. Gale, after being foiled by Sims more times than a toddler asking for sweets, finally got his goal and probably a well-deserved sit-down.
Hutchinson’s heroics in goal were the stuff of local legend, while Sutton’s Nadesan must’ve wondered if he’d accidentally kicked a black cat before the game.
Parkinson’s half-time masterclass, with Crawford and Barnes turning the tide, showed why he’s the Robin Hood of the National League. Sutton’s Steve Morison, stuck in the stands for a touchline ban (probably for getting too excited about a throw-in), will be scratching his head after his side let a lead slip faster than a soggy biscuit in a cuppa.
Match Details
- Venue: The J. Davidson Stadium
- Attendance: 1,604 (77 away, probably still moaning about the motorway)
- Goals: Altrincham – Knowles (51’), Gale (80’); Sutton – Nadesan (22’)
- Altrincham Line-up: Hutchinson; Banks (Reed 63’), Baines (c) (Barnes 46’), Sassi, Golden; Osborne, Marriott, Reddin (Weaver 89’); Ward (Crawford 46’), Knowles (Kirk 89’), Gale. Subs not used: Crankshaw, Fallon.
- Sutton Line-up: Sims; Vincent, Phipps, Taylor, Boutin, Jones (c) (Eccleston 74’); Simper, Wadham, Harris (Njoku 64’); Ogbonna (Odelusi 78’), Nadesan. Subs not used: Aziaya, Reeves, Halim.
- Bookings: Sutton – Vincent (10’), Phipps (24’), Harris (36’), Boutin (55’), Taylor (75’), Eccleston (90’+3)
- Referee: Richard Aspinall (who probably needed a lie-down and a pint after this one)
What’s Next?
Altrincham, now flying high in 7th, head to Meadow Park to take on Boreham Wood on Saturday, 13th September, at 3:00 PM. The Wood, unbeaten in six and fresh off a 4-3 thriller against Sutton earlier this month, will be a tough nut to crack.
Reddin’s pace and Gale’s nose for goal will need to be sharper than a tack to keep Alty’s play-off push on track.
Sutton United, wobbling in 22nd like a jelly on a bouncy castle, host Tamworth at the VBS Community Stadium on the same day, also at 3:00 PM.
The Lambs will fancy their chances against a leaky Sutton defence, and Morison’s men need a win more urgent than a last-minute dash to the chip shop before closing.
A bit of home comfort – and maybe a rousing team singalong – could be the spark to lift them from their early-season slump.
This match was National League football at its bonkers best: stunning saves, Reddin’s wing wizardry, and a comeback that had the J. Davidson Stadium bouncing like a kid on a pogo stick. For fans chasing live football thrills, Altrincham delivered a corker that’ll be the talk of the town.
Check out BBC Sport or the National League website for the latest on these upcoming clashes.
