Sutton United recorded their first pre-season victory at the third time of asking on Tuesday night with a 1-0 success at Dartford.

Having lost 1-0 at home to both Coventry City and Hemel Hempstead Town in their first two matches, United were made to work hard against the Kent side before registering the only goal of the game through French striker Papa Gueye in the 79th minute.

United controlled the game and were unfortunate not to have taken the lead earlier with Moses Emmanuel, Craig Eastmond and Ross Lafayette all having good chances to break the deadlock in what was a useful workout for both teams.

United manager Paul Doswell was pleased with Tuesday’s showing: “Our fitness levels have been excellent in the first two weeks of pre-season," he said

“We were very good against Dartford. We looked lively and much more where we want to be as a team.

“The key to pre-season is progress and we seemed a lot sharper and created some good opportunities.”

“The only disappointing aspect at the moment is that we already have a few players out injured.

“We’ve got three defenders missing in Simon Downer, Dean Beckwith and Louis John and we played Jamie Butler in goal on Tuesday as Ross Worner injured himself while out running, so we’re awaiting the result of his scan.”

The U’s travel to last season’s Ryman League Premier Division champions Havant and Waterlooville this Saturday before spending four days training and bonding at Bisham Abbey in Berkshire.

Having enjoyed two incredible seasons by leading the U’s to the Vanarama National South title and an extraordinary run to the FA Cup fifth round, Doswell is delighted that the feel-good factor will continue with a marquee opening fixture against National League newboys Leyton Orient in front of the BT Sport cameras on Saturday, August 5 (kick-off 12.30pm).

“We’ve got a tough start with Orient, Eastleigh and Tranmere in the first week but that’s why we’re in this division, to play teams like that. It couldn’t be better.

“The TV cameras will see what we’ve done here over the summer. It’s a chance to show off some of the changes like the new dressing rooms.

“Orient will have 1,500 tickets for the match and we’ve got 1,400 season ticket holders so far, so we’re already looking at a crowd of 3,000. There’ll be a great atmosphere, that’s for sure.”

Doswell is also delighted with the progress the club is making as a community hub and is full of praise for the Sutton United U9’s team which has been labelled the Invincibles.

“The success of the U9’s team shows what a proper club this is and they, like all our teams, are an important part of it.

“They have been brilliant. They have performed so well and been a credit to the club. I am really proud of them.”

CATCH THE U'S FOR JUST £6

With a record number of season tickets already sold for 2017/18, there’s a clear appetite from the Sutton public to taste more of the exciting football the U’s have served up in recent seasons.

Each ticket entitles the holder to 23 home National League games as well as all remaining friendly matches.

The early bird season ticket offer has now ended but new season ticket prices currently stand at £149 (£119 concessions).

Teenagers (13-19 years old) can watch the U’s for the season for just £25 while kids up to 12 years old pay just £10.

Current 2016/17 season ticket holders can snap one up for £125 with concessions just £99.

After United made headlines with their stunning run to the the FA Cup fifth round against Arsenal last season, there’s never been a better time to catch the U’s.

For further details on season tickets call 020 8644 4440, email seasontickets@suttonunited.net or visit suttonunited.net