A bizarre own goal from defender Zain Westbrooke helped Sutton United to a 2-0 victory over Coventry City at a sun-drenched Knights Community Stadium last Saturday afternoon.

The hot and humid weather made it difficult for both teams to play decent football but Westbrooke’s 35-yard back-pass rolled beyond goalkeeper Lee Burge and into the net on 32 minutes for an unlikely opener.

United, who fielded summer signings Dan Wishart, Charlie Clough and Dale Bennett, extended their advantage with a 58th-minute goal from Craig Dundas.

Manager Paul Doswell also used the opportunity to field several triallists as the U’s got their pre-season campaign off to a winning start.

On Wednesday, the Sutton boss announced the signing of former Brighton and Hove Albion striker Jonah Ayunga on a two-year deal.

The 21-year-old counts Dorchester Town, Sligo Rovers and Galway United among his former clubs.

“We are really pleased with Jonah signing," said Doswell.

"We were looking for another young forward who we could develop and improve and Jonah certainly fits the bill.

"He reminds me of the Tommy Wright and Josh Taylor profile of young players that are hungry to do well and are prepared to work very hard to succeed.

"He certainly impressed us on Saturday and has also trained very well in the last two weeks since pre-season started.

"He’s 6’3″, quick and has had a good grounding at Brighton, including a valuable loan spell in the Irish Premier League last season. 

"By signing a two-year deal it gives Jonah the chance to really develop and we think with Bairdy’s influence he can be a great addition to our squad.”

Having seen their midweek trip to Winchester City rearranged for Wednesday, July 25, the U’s continue their pre-season by hosting Vanarama National South side Woking this Saturday (July 14, kick-off 1.30pm).

The Cards and the U’s faced-off twice last season with both teams recording 2-0 home victories.

Following a decent start, Woking’s campaign took an unexpected twist. After a string of poor results and with the team underperforming, manager Anthony Limbrick was sacked in early April.

Limbrick’s departure couldn’t prevent the team sliding towards relegation which was confirmed with a home defeat to Dover on the final day of last season.

Woking come to Sutton with renewed optimism having appointed former Hampton and Richmond boss Alan Dowson as their new manager early in the summer.

Dowson, who has a good off-field relationship with Doswell, has brought in a raft of new names and triallists including former Sutton players Dan Spence, Chris Dickson and Nick Bignall.

United hit the road on Tuesday (July 17), making the short trip to play the first official match at Meadowbank Stadium, the new home of Dorking Wanderers. Kick-off is 7.45pm.