Sutton United midfielder Harry Beautyman may have been devastated to be let go by Leyton Orient last summer, but he now knows it was probably for the best.

The 19-year-old, released by the Os after nearly 10 years at Brisbane Road, is in the middle of a four-goals-in-four-games hot streak having netted in Saturday’s 3-2 win over Weston-Super-Mare.

And, although he has set his sights on a return to the professional ranks having established himself as a major part of United boss Paul Doswell’s plans, he is just happy to be playing regular football.

“Orient didn’t think I was ready for the step up and decided to let me go,” he said.

“I was devastated and a lot of the staff there thought I deserved another contract.

“But, to be honest, it has worked out for the best.

“I’m a much better player for the move and I am playing regularly having spent most of last year on the bench – which is no good for anyone.

“I want to get back into league football, but I’m happy with the way things are going at Sutton.

“I’m contracted for another year and hopefully we’ll be playing in the Blue Square Premier soon.”

Beautyman, right, has 11 league and cup goals to his name this term and has been challenged by Doswell to hit the 15-goal mark by the end of the current campaign.

And the Essex-based youngster, who travels too and from Sutton with new signing Anwar Uddin, is hoping that can help fire United to a top-five finish in the Blue Square South – and beyond.

“People may think we won’t be ready for the Blue Square Premier if we got there this season, but the players we have here are more than capable,” he added.

“This is the business end of the season and we just have to keep grinding out results.

“I’d rather win ugly than play well and lose at this stage.

“I went on a similar scoring run earlier in the season and, hopefully, this time it can last until the end of the season and we’ll be there or thereabouts.

“Whatever happens, we have had a tremendous season and we are in a great position.”

Beautyman’s goal on Saturday was sandwiched between strikes from Kyle Vassell and Craig Dundas as Sutton came from 1-0 down at the break to win.

The result, which moved United nine points clear of Eastleigh in sixth place, was tempered by Craig Watkins’s sickening first half head injury after a clash with Weston goalkeeper Lloyd Irish.