John Doolan was disappointed following his debut match in charge of Accrington Stanley, as they fell to a 3-1 loss against Sutton United.
The Lancashire club recorded their fifth loss in seven matches against the relegation-threatened Amber and Yellows at Gander Green Lane.
It was Doolan’s first match as the permanent manager of Stanley, following his appointment this week to replace the outgoing John Coleman on a three-year deal. He recorded a win against Swindon Town and a draw at home to Notts County during his interim spell.
Sutton United stormed to a win through goals from Harry Smith, Omar Sowunmi and Sashiel Adom-Malaki, with Jake Bickerstaff claiming a consolation late on.
The victory marked Sutton’s first home win since November, and their first back-to-back league wins this season after beating Forest Green Rovers last weekend.
Three vital points put Steve Morison’s side just one point away from safety but having played three games more than 22nd-placed Colchester United.
Speaking to the press following the loss, Doolan believed that it was a game of fine margins. He said [Quotes via Lancashire Telegraph]: “Personally, I thought we were on the front foot and asking all the questions. We could have been 3-0 up before they scored but we have missed a couple of chances and they have scored.
“I think we were in control of the game but ultimately, it is down to chances. They took their chances in the box and we have not.
“We tried to get it wide, which was the best area of the pitch, but we didn’t have that bit of quality to get it wide. We just let ourselves down with an over-hit pass or just a lack of quality in the first half.
“But in the second half, I think we missed chances as well. We need to learn from it.”
The loss moved Accrington down to 16th place, with just seven games of their season left. Their Easter fixtures see them welcome Morecambe to the Wham Stadium before a trip down to table-toppers Mansfield Town on Monday.
April also sees matches against Crewe Alexandra, Newport County, Doncaster Rovers, Stockport County and Tranmere Rovers on the final day.
Doolan was also appreciative of the 199 away fans who travelled to South London, adding: “I just want to say thanks to the fans because they have been absolutely amazing. The support they have shown the team, I want to applaud them. They have been brilliant.”
Writer’s View
Accrington Stanley’s season has been pretty miserable following their relegation from League One last year. Whilst sacking long-term manager John Coleman may not have been the right decision, the aim now should be to adjust to life under John Doolan and prepare for the next campaign.
Sutton United have kept their chances of survival alive with another win. Beating Forest Green was a crucial result to put themselves back in with a chance, and now picking up a second win in a row edges them closer to those above the dotted line. Their fixture list is very challenging so it may be too little too late, but the momentum they have created could put another win on the board when they visit Salford City on Friday.
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