Sutton United reach Wembley after beating Wigan on penalties

By JOE ACKLAM

PROUD Sutton United manager Matt Gray said it was an ‘amazing’ feeling to reach the Papa John’s Trophy final in their first-ever season in the competition after beating Wigan on penalties to reach Wembley.

Will Randall calmly stroked fourth tier Sutton into the lead at the DW after 29 minutes following Donovan Wilson’s lay-off, but it only lasted ten minutes.

James McClean put League One‘s second-placed side level by lashing a fierce shot into the net from a tight angle.

The game ended level and went to penalties where U’s keeper Dean Bouzanis became the hero. He saved twice and also scored his own penalty as the U’s triumphed 7-6 on spot-kicks.

Boss Gray said: “It means so much personally, but, more importantly, to the chairman (Bruce Elliott) who’s committed so much for more than 25 years. It feels amazing and I can’t wait.

“To come here and go toe-to-toe with a club like Wigan and put in a real shift, I’m so proud of absolutely everyone involved to reach the final.

“The fans who’ve come up here to Wigan on a Tuesday night plus all those who would’ve been watching at home will be thrilled by what we have done. We’re all looking forward to the big day out now at Wembley.”

The final on April 3 will be Sutton’s first trip to the new Wembley and their first to the national stadium since losing 1-0 to Bishop’s Stortford in the FA Trophy final in 1981.

The U’s will face either Hartlepool – promoted with them from the National League last season – or League One leaders Rotherham in the final. They meet this evening (Wednesday).