Sutton United captain Jamie Collins scored from the penalty spot for the second consecutive game as the U's earned a 1-0 win over Eastleigh on Tuesday night.

The match may not have been a classic but Paul Doswell's men rolled up their sleeves to overcome a stubborn Eastleigh side thanks to a goal in the 31st minute.

Sutton's Tom Bolarinwa was brought down in the penalty area by defender Josh Hare and Collins, who scored a last-gasp equaliser at Harrogate Town on Saturday, stepped up to send goalkeeper Graham Stack the wrong way from the spot.

The game was a disjointed affair with heavy rain in the second half making it difficult for both sides to play decent football which Doswell addressed during his honest post-match assessment. 

"It was scrappy, a typical National League game at this time of the season," he told SUFCtv.

"I don't remember [goalkeeper] Jamie Butler having to make a save in the whole game.

"Having said that, we had chances but didn't really test their keeper either. So I think you'll take a 1-0 on the night and that really does make our Harrogate point look good.

"There will be plenty of games this season that will be exciting and attractive, and there'll be others that won't be, and I'd put this one in that category, but three points is three points."

Doswell will now prepare his side for the visit of league newcomers Salford City on Saturday where under 16s can watch the match for free

Backed by a group of former Mancherster United players and Singapore-based billionaire Peter Lim, the National League North champions have splashed the cash over the summer to secure the services of a number of high profile signings including striker Adam Rooney from Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen and midfielder Danny Lloyd from League One Peterborough United.

Sutton will be wary of a reaction from City who slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Gateshead on Tuesday night following an opening day 1-1 draw with Leyton Orient. 

While cynics have been quick to claim the big spenders have bought success - three promotions in four seasons since being taken over in 2014 - Doswell was full of praise for what they've achieved.

"What Salford have done over the last four or five years has been fantastic for football," said the Sutton boss.

"Not only have they got the budget to put into the team but they've clearly put it into their stadium and into their academy. So, for me, I've got no issues when teams do that.

"They are obviously very ambitious to get up quickly but this is not an easy league to do that and we know we'll be in for another physical game on Saturday."

Sutton United v Salford City, Saturday, August 11, 3pm. Free entry for under 16s.