Sutton United skipper Jamie Stuart scored his first goal of the season last weekend and then declared that Gander Green Lane must become a Skrill South fortress.

The central defender headed United’s opener in Saturday’s 2-0 over Whitehawk at the Lane, before Craig Dundas sealed the points.

While pleased with the win and three points – United’s second maximum haul of the season – Stuart was also pleased to keep a second consecutive clean sheet following a 0-0 draw at Concord Rangers the weekend before.

He said: “It has been a tough start to the season.

“You might call it inconsistent but you have to remember that we have a group of new players settling in, and we’re also on the wrong end of some injuries, which are keeping key players out.

“We’re having to juggle things around a lot, but the confidence is there, we are a close-knit squad, and that is all important when it comes to football.”

He added: “I have had a few partners in central defence so far this season but for the past two games it has been Simon [Downer] and me, and we’re both delighted with the clean sheets.

“We’re in a better position than we were this time last year, and if we can get something at Tonbridge this weekend, before the two games at home next week, it’s a great chance to get a run going.

“The league is so tight that a good run can really have an impact.

“We’re desperate to make home a fortress. If we win our home games, and pick up draws on the road, that will go a long way to getting us up the table.”

After five games, United are ninth in the table, while this weekend’s opponent’s Tonbridge Angels are 14th.

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Silver feet: Dean McDonald beats two Whitehawk defenders before crossing for Craig Dundas' goal                Picture: Paul Loughlin