Sutton's Paul Doswell savours 'huge achievement' as Garry Monk admits Leeds changes backfired
Monday 30 January 2017 06:07, UK
Sutton boss Paul Doswell revelled in a "huge achievement" by his part-timers after they pulled off a FA Cup fourth round shock with a 1-0 victory against Leeds.
Captain Jamie Collins scored the winner from the penalty spot as the National League side stunned Garry Monk's men to join fellow non-league team Lincoln in the last 16.
Monk, focused on steering Leeds back to the Premier League, paid the price for making 10 changes to his line-up, but property developer Doswell - who revealed he would go back to the day job on Monday morning - would not allow an unfamiliar XI to detract from his players' feat.
"It's a huge achievement by the players and the club to get to the last 16," he said.
"I can't praise the players enough. Every time they've been asked a question they have responded.
"Lincoln were an inspiration for us, and I can almost guarantee that will be the draw! We are due to meet them that weekend anyway.
"But at least then a non-league team will be in the quarter-finals. That would be a fantastic moment."
Monk's side, packed full of youngsters and including two debutants - neither of whom were even named in the squad line-up on the back of the programme - struggled badly on Sutton's artificial pitch.
Roarie Deacon had a goal harshly disallowed, while Marco Silvestri made a string of fine saves but was finally beaten from the spot after colliding with team-mate Lewie Coyle and taking out Maxime Biamou.
Taking the blame for the chastening defeat, Monk said: "It's a frustrating result and a frustrating performance but it's my responsibility.
"I'm the one who selects the team. I made a lot of changes, it didn't work and it backfired in that sense.
"All credit to Sutton. We wish them all the best in the next round. We didn't want to see this happen, but it has.
"I stand by all the decisions I make. Sometimes you'll suffer with decisions, but that's life. I don't regret any of them but when they backfire it is my responsibility.
"I don't like losing any game. It doesn't matter which one it is. I'm not a good loser and we're trying to create a winning mentality - and when we lose we take it hard."
