Sutton United boss Paul Doswell has revealed the reason behind Dan Fitchett’s substation during the National League South draw with Hemel Hempstead on Saturday.

The clash had been delayed for an hour after the officials were held up in traffic on the M4.

However, despite the disruption, United settled best and were 2-0 ahead and cruising thanks to Fitchett’s brace.

Doswell withdrew the striker on 75 minutes, and United were hit by a double sucker punch as Hemel hit back to 2-2.

To rub salt in the wounds, Simon Downer was red carded in the dying moments.

It all led to some consternation over the Fitchett substitution with gossip concentrating on an appointment the striker could not miss.

However, Doswell told the Sutton Guardian that is was a little more complicated than that.

“We had to take Dan off because he had a flight to catch for a surprise 21st birthday party for his girlfriend in Rome,” he said.

“Had the match started on time, he would never have needed to tell me, but when it was put back to 4pm, he told me and we worked out he could play until the 75th minute.

“His girlfriend and family were in the stand watching the game so they knew why he was coming off, but I can understand the fans thinking ‘What’s he doing taking Dan off?’”

He added: “It was my call. We were 2-0 up and comfortable, but we’re not Manchester United and I won’t stand in the way of something like that – it would not have been right of me.

“It would have cost him more than £1,000 in flights and hotels. It was the right thing to do.”

More reaction to come.