Sutton United boss Paul Doswell admitted his sympathy was with the almost 900 fans who witnessed last weekend’s dire 1-0 defeat to Hayes & Yeading.

He also warned his under-performing stars that they are back under the microscope as preparations for next season’s Conference South campaign begin to take shape.

On a day when 861 fans poured into Gander Green Lane on a “pay what you want” promise and a visit from comedian Tim Vine, United failed to deliver on the pitch, going down to a second half goal.

They also finished with 10 men following Shaun Cooper’s dismissal for two yellow cards.

Doswell said: “It was not a great game, it was a bit like watching paint dry at times and I felt for the fans who’d come in.

“What is more disappointing is that some of the players know they are playing for contracts for next season, and those who looked like shoe-ins are now back under the microscope.”

He added: “I am looking to bring in four or five new players over the summer, but that may be more if some of the current squad do not pick themselves up.”

United, 15th in the Conference South table, go to Bishop’s Stortford this weekend.

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