Malden Wanderers skipper Giles Puckle has backed Sutton to escape releagation after they recorded their first back-to-back wins of the season.

Gander Green Lane seamer Andy Sartor followed up the six-wicket haul that condemned against Puckles' side to defeat last week with an unbeaten 72 to help his team to a 35-run triumph over Cobham Avorians.

Spinner Bilal Butt's 5-81 took Sutton to victory as Avorians failed to chase down the hosts 242 for seven, leaving skipper Keith Medlycott's men nine-points adrift of safety in the Surrey Championship Premier Division.

And the Wanderers captain reckons they are more than capable of turning their season around with seven games remaining.

"They have still got the majority of the team that won the league only two years ago, so I would fancy their chances," he said.

"I would be very surprised if they don't get themselves out of trouble because they only need to win a few more of their remaining games to do it."

Puckle struck 56 as he watched his side bounce back from 8 for four to post 162 all-out and then dismiss visiting Spencer for an 8-run triumph - keeping them in touch with leaders Wimbledon.

His side followed that up on Sunday by defeating an unbeaten Havant side in the National Knockout Cup to move into the last eight of the competition - two wins from a showpiece final at Lord's.

They now face a long trip to Swansea for their quarter-final, and Puckle praised his men for the way they have responded to adversity.

"When you have 11 players in your side who can hold a bat it bodes well. The middle order dugs out a bit of a hole at the weekend," he added.

"Having lost to Sutton and got knocked out of the Evening Standard Cup last week it was important we showed a bit of character and we proved that by responding to a couple of defeats.

"The club is in a good position and it is great to think we are still very much involved in two competitions with August approaching."

League leaders Wimbledon kept up their title charge after 101 from Richard Dawson and 5-34 from Neil Turk accounted for Normandy by 24-runs at Church Road on Saturday.