Sutton Athletic romped to an emphatic away triumph at Martyn Grove as Hollands and Blair slumped to their biggest defeat of the season at their “temporary home”.
With Star Meadow’s artificial surface still being laid, Scott Porter’s side have moved across Medway until Christmas at least, and on this showing the Blair will be hoping for early presents and a return “home” sooner rather than later.
Sutton simply had too much for Blair going forward – especially down their right-hand side where Kolo Salami was a constant threat and deservedly sealed the visitors win with the fourth goal of the night on the hour.
In fairness, Blair did have chance of their own, particularly in a hugely enjoyable opening half and quite how Rob Gillman was not once but twice denied in a ridiculous scramble just before the break that would have reduced the arrears to a single goal is anyone’s guess… but in the end the “home” side were well beaten.
Blair got an early warning of what was to follow when Salami wriggled his way into the box, but referee Thorburn was interested in Sutton pleas for a penalty.
Harry Brown brough a magnificent full length save out of Sutton keeper Dan Carpanini as Blair did threaten before disaster struck at the other end as Salami whipped a cross into the box which stretching George Benner could only hook beyond a stranded Dan Ellis and into the net.
The lively Salami brought the best of Ellis when the giant keeper did well to turn aside a drive, but it only delayed the inevitable as the winger against waltzed to the line and into the box before laying a second on a plate for Kieron Hughes who couldn’t miss from three yards.
Benner’s night was then summed up when he hobbled off, and yet despite losing their skipper Blair rallied and just how they didn’t pull a goal back many will still be asking.
Danny Walder flighted a free kick into the box and Gilman found himself in the box free and unmarked, his first effort came back off the keeper, the rebound similarly was kept out by Carpanini, whilst the third effort was scrambled off the line despite Blair pleas that it had crossed the line.
A remarkable let off to which Sutton took full advantage as they netted their third just before the break when Connor Evans beat Ellis with some aplomb.
Both sides had chances early after the break, but when Salami netted Sutton’s fourth on the hour, the game was effectively over. The winger had a great run blocked on the edge of the box, and as Evans whipped the ball into the box, Salami just got enough on the ball to glance it wide of Ellis and into the net.
By the time Arlie Desanges netted the fifth five minutes from time, many had already headed for the bar, which was a shame as they missed probably the goal of the night. Evans was the provider again as he threaded a pass through to Desanges (who looked extremely close to being offside) as he raced on and clipped the ball expertly past the advancing Ellis.
After just two defeats in their opening dozen games, this really was a wake-up call for Blair as Sutton’s first season at this level continues to grow as they moved up into the division’s top six – albeit already some fifteen points behind pace setter Erith & Belvedere.
HOLLANDS & BLAIR – Ellis, Loynes, Brown, Walder (Smith), Benner (Kane), Gillman (Valencia), Simon, Bewick, Walmsley, Stannard, Gill (Wright).
Sub – Brooks
SUTTON ATHLETIC – Carpanini, Lawrence, Hughes, Muckle (Smith), Fenn, Wishart, Salami (Kurh), White (Gregory), Desanges, Evans, Gunner.
Subs – Watson, Spencer
REFEREE – Mr Thorburn