The 23’s slipped to a 3-1 defeat away at AFC Whyteleafe on Monday night, handing the initiative in the title chase to their opponents.
We caught up with an understandably disappointed Michael Talabi after the game – here’s what he had to say.
“Well, on a wet and chilly evening just before Christmas, Sutton Common Rovers U23 will be leaving Whyteleafe frustrated, and rightly so. They were the architects of their own downfall, gifting the home side not one, not two, but three goals through some calamitous defending and sloppy passing at the back. Credit to Whyteleafe, though—they punished those mistakes clinically, as any good side would.
“But here’s the thing: anyone watching this game would’ve seen that Sutton Common Rovers dominated large parts of it. They moved the ball confidently, pressed with energy, and created more than enough chances to take something from the match. The best moment? A 25-yard rocket that smacked against the post—unlucky not to go in. Their goal, ironically, came from an own goal by Whyteleafe, which was as baffling as it was fortunate.
“Yet, despite all that good work, the end product just wasn’t there. Time and again, they got into dangerous positions only for poor decision-making or lackluster finishing to let them down. And when they did get it right? Two glaring misses from point-blank range summed up their evening.
“So, what’s the takeaway here? Sutton Common Rovers showed flashes of quality, especially in their pressing and on-the-ball play, but mistakes at the back and a lack of cutting edge cost them dearly. With the return fixture next week, they’ll have a chance to put things right. You can bet they’ll be looking to make amends.”