The Eagles land at the end of a fantastic journey.

Days like Sunday make the whole experience of being a manager worthwhile.

Yes we lost, but I've said many times that I'll take performance over result and this was another really good team performance against a Sutton team which hadn't dropped a point all season.

We gave Sutton a guard of honour before the game, before setting about our plan to break their run.

The boys gave their all and many times had Sutton on the rack but it wasn't to be.

Sutton showed the skill and endeavour to win this game and claim their 100th goal and 100% record for the season.

Over the two league games this season we have pushed them harder than any team, having been 1-0 up with 10 to go in the first game only to lose 2-1, conceding a sloppy goal at the end of a well fought game.

Well this time, it was a replica goal, with only 3 minutes on the clock which cost us the game. A game we battled and fought with all the energy and skill we had to try to get something from the game. I felt the game had a real cup final feel about it.

Sutton are certainly further down the competitive route than we are, as development is still the philosophy of our team.

Our time will come, of that I have no doubt, but we will learn the right way to play whilst we go on our journey.

I enjoyed watching this game, with two teams showing tactical discipline, looking for an edge, and I believe the right team won this tight encounter.

Lots to learn and lots already learned. With lots of time on our side, we will get there.

Many of the boys showed so much effort and skill, it made me feel very proud to be a part of their group.

Nassim, was a warrior throughout, through illness and injury we've missed him over the last couple of games.

Shay is time and again a rock of which I'm certain will be the foundation of an excellent team for years to come.

However my man of the match was shared between Reece Kavanagh and Frankie Steenson.

Two lads who I'd like to comment on this week.

Recently, I've seen a renewed intent to their training and attitude, and it showed on the pitch more than ever.

Reece's determination to continue to drive with the ball at a brick wall of a defence was something to admire.
Something all players can learn from. His touch and control has improved with hard work recently, and boy did it show.

Frankie came into the centre back role just after half time when we looked a little shaky, it's the third time this season he's played there, and showed maturity, skill, bravery and composure in equal measure. He gave us a base to build attacks from time and again.

Two wonderful performances at a level required to play top teams, and Sutton were certainly that.