A late goal from Colombian-born striker Angelo Balanta denied Sutton United a festive double over Boreham Wood at the Knights Community Stadium on New Year's Day.

The U’s won 4-0 in Hertfordshire on Boxing Day and were on the verge of claiming another valuable three points thanks to a 55th minute penalty from captain Jamie Collins as the game entered injury time.

However, Balanta found space to get on the end of Bruno Andrade’s corner and head past goalkeeper Jamie Butler who sustained a knee injury to add to his troubles.

With the U’s having tasted defeat at league leaders Macclesfield Town just 48 hours earlier, it was hardly surprising that Monday’s game was a rather dour affair. Chances were at a premium for both sides and a draw a fair result.

Doswell praised his side’s effort over the busy festive schedule having faced Boreham Wood twice, Tranmere Rovers and Macclesfield.

“I thought the lads’ commitment, desire and energy were fantastic today,” the Sutton boss told SUFCtv.

“To think they travelled back from a tough game on a tough pitch on Saturday. The travel back takes it out of you.

“The game lacked quality which we knew it would because you’re asking players to play four games in 10 days. They’ve been particularly tough games as well.

“We defended our box so well and I couldn’t see them scoring but we never had the opportunity to score the second goal which would have killed the game off.

“We’ve got a tough month coming what with trips to Gateshead and Barrow and Dagenham and Redbridge at home.

“But if we can stick in there and be in the mix in March and April — in that top seven — then for this football club that’s a great effort.

“We are confident of how this team’s going to react and keep going. It might not be instant but we’ve got a real chance.”

The U’s visit Gateshead this Saturday, 3pm.