Notts County skipper Richard Butcher netted a late header to secure a 1-0 win against non-league Sutton.
Butcher header snuffs out non-league threat
Notts County skipper Richard Butcher netted a late header to secure a 1-0 win and avoid an FA Cup upset against non-league Sutton.
The League Two visitors had played the better football throughout but rarely threatened and Ryman League Sutton were unlucky not to earn a replay.
The home side started brightly, with Simon Jackson's first-minute cross causing panic before midfielder Dean Palmer tested Russell Hoult with a fierce shot from the edge of the box.
Us winger Gavin McCallum was also looking dangerous down the left but the visitors weathered the early storm and grew in influence as the half wore on.
County's best chances fell to striker Sean Canham, who headed a great chance over the bar after 20 minutes before sending an ambitious bicycle kick in the same direction moments before the break.
The away side continued to threaten in the second half with right-back Paul Mayo and winger Matt Hamshaw going close. And the pressure finally told in the 75th minute when Butcher ghosted in at the back post to nod home Jamie Clapham's cross.
The home side tried to respond, with McCallum seeing his six-yard snap shot saved. Midfielder Craig Dundas then let fly from 20 yards but Hoult clawed it out and Sutton slipped out of the FA Cup.
