BATTLING UNITED CLOSE IN ON TITLE

SUTTON UNITED took a huge step toward lifting the National League title by wearing down a hard-working Maidenhead United side at York Road.

- Daniel Darlington

Sutton grabbed the lead through David Ajiboye’s close-range finish on 65 minutes before doubling their advantage through Isaac Olaofe.

And victory was assured deep into stoppage time when defender Louis John scored a miraculous goal from inside his own half, catching Maidenhead’s on-loan Reading keeper James Holden off his line.

Victory lifts Matt Gray’s side four points clear at the top of the table ahead of second-placed Torquay United’s trip to Stockport County today.

And Gray said: “It’s another three points at a crucial stage of the season with three games to go.

“The message (at half-time) was simple, be patient and wait for our chance and we had many chances.