Two of the Enterprise National League’s perfect starters meet on Saturday as Hartlepool United travel to the VBS Community Stadium to face Sutton United.
Pools have opened the league campaign with successive victories and clean sheets, beating Barrow 2–0 at Victoria Park before winning 1–0 at Aldershot Town last weekend.
Sutton have made an equally impressive league start. Chris Agutter’s side began with a 3–0 victory at Woking before defeating Altrincham 1–0 in their opening home fixture.
Both teams head into Saturday’s 12.30pm kick-off with six points and without conceding a league goal.
Pools Maintain Perfect Start
Lee Clark’s side had to work hard for their victory at the EBB Stadium last Saturday.
After an assured opening-day performance against Barrow, Pools faced a different test against an Aldershot team playing at home for the first time this season.
The game remained goalless until the 69th minute, when substitute Corey McKeown struck ten minutes after entering the action.
His goal proved decisive as Pools protected their advantage and recorded a second clean sheet in as many league games.
Max Merrick was again part of a disciplined defensive performance, while McKeown’s impact underlined the value of Clark’s options from the bench.
Nathan Sheron, Teddy Bondo and Joe Hugill were also introduced during the second half as Pools saw out the game and returned from Hampshire with all three points.
The challenge now is to carry that momentum into another demanding away fixture.
Perfect Starts on the Line
Saturday brings a second consecutive trip south for Pools and a meeting with another side enjoying a perfect start.
Clark’s team have scored three goals without reply, while Sutton have found the net four times and are also yet to concede.
Pools have already shown they can win in different ways. They combined resilience with two excellent finishes to overcome Barrow before remaining patient and organised at Aldershot.
Sutton’s opening games have followed a similar pattern. They produced a convincing attacking performance at Woking before defending an early lead against Altrincham.
Agutter admitted his side were not at their best with the ball last weekend, but he was delighted with the collective effort required to protect their advantage.
Pools will need to match that work rate while dealing with Sutton’s pressing, physical presence and threat from set-pieces.
The Opposition
Sutton finished 19th in the National League last season, collecting 47 points from their 46 fixtures.
Agutter was appointed Head Coach in October 2025 following the departure of Steve Morison. He arrived from National League South club Worthing and guided the U’s to safety after a difficult opening to the campaign.
His first summer in charge brought considerable change, with Sutton rebuilding their squad ahead of the new season.
Captain Jake Taylor provides experience and leadership in midfield, while Will Nightingale and Jordan Moore-Taylor bring further know-how to the defensive unit.
Emmanuel Osadebe offers athleticism through central areas, with Sam Folarin, Temi Babalola and David Ogbonna among their attacking options.
Sutton began their season with an impressive victory at Woking. Nightingale opened the scoring before Omar Mussa and Ogbonna completed a 3-0 win after the interval.
Ogbonna was on target again against Altrincham, scoring after nine minutes when Sutton’s press forced the visitors into losing possession close to their own penalty area.
Altrincham had plenty of the ball after falling behind, but the U’s defended resolutely to secure another three points.
Recent Meetings
Sutton took four points from the two meetings between the clubs last season.
Pools produced a determined comeback when the teams met at the Borough Sports Ground in October.
Lewis Simper gave Sutton an early lead before Luke Charman equalised shortly after half-time. Brandon Njoku restored the home side’s advantage, but Vadaine Oliver responded six minutes later.
Jermaine Francis then put Pools ahead with a clever backheel in the 84th minute, only for former Hartlepool defender Edon Pruti to equalise from a corner during the closing stages of a dramatic 3-3 draw.
Sutton won the return fixture at Victoria Park in March. Osman Foyo opened the scoring in the 63rd minute before Kai Jennings struck from distance late on to complete a 2-0 victory.
The View from Lee Clark
“Sutton have made an impressive start with two wins and two clean sheets, so we know it’s going to be a very difficult game.
“We’ll have to work extremely hard, battle for every ball and show the same mentality we’ve shown in our first two matches.
“When we get the opportunity, we’ll also have to show our quality with the ball. Getting a result in this league is never easy, but we know what’s required.”
Sutton United Fact File
Full name: Sutton United Football Club
Nickname: The U’s
Founded: 1898
Ground: Borough Sports Ground
Capacity: 7,032
Head Coach: Chris Agutter
2025/26 league finish: 19th
Current position: Third
League record: Played two, won two
Last league result: Sutton United 1–0 Altrincham
The Head Coach: Chris Agutter
Agutter was appointed Sutton Head Coach in October 2025 after leaving Worthing.
He began his coaching career within Brighton & Hove Albion’s Academy and progressed to become Youth Team Manager before holding further roles in England and abroad.
His work at Worthing established him as a progressive coach with a strong interest in player development.
Sutton secured his release following Morison’s departure and Agutter subsequently guided the club away from the National League relegation places.
Assisted by former Premier League midfielder Dean Hammond, he has now reshaped the squad ahead of his first full season at Gander Green Lane.
One to Watch: David Ogbonna
Ogbonna has scored in both of Sutton’s league games this season.
He completed the scoring at Woking before producing the winning goal against Altrincham, taking advantage after Sutton regained possession high up the pitch.
Capable of operating centrally or from a wider attacking position, Ogbonna’s pace, direct running and willingness to press make him an important part of Agutter’s side.
Did You Know?
Sutton secured promotion to the Football League for the first time by defeating Hartlepool United at Gander Green Lane in May 2021.
Their 3-0 victory in the penultimate game of the season confirmed the U’s as National League champions.
Pools joined them in League Two the following month after defeating Torquay United on penalties in the play-off final.
