A fine solo goal from Tom Bolarinwa proved the difference as Sutton United came away from Ebbsfleet with a vital 1-0 victory on Saturday.

Bolarinwa waltzed past several Fleet defenders before smashing the ball beyond goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore in the 77th minute to send the Sutton fans in a crowd of 2,852 wild.

Having been on a wretched recent run of just one win in seven games, United gave a vastly improved all-round team performance to get their promotion push back on track.

Manager Paul Doswell included Josh Taylor, Kieron Cadogan and Tom Bolarinwa in his starting line-up and the trio injected some much-needed pace, energy and creativity into the team.

Bolarinwa's bursts of speed caused headaches for the home defence, as did the quick passing and movement of Taylor, Cadogan and striker Tommt Wright.

The U's looked the more dangerous of the two sides and Ashmore had to be alert to deal with a number of efforts on target.

Wright, who received his first call-up to the England C squad at the weekend, saw his close-range shot smack the near post.

Taylor's 20-yard strike stung the palms of Ashmore who then had to peddle backwards to prevent the ball looping into the net. 

Clearcut opportunities were at a premium during a tense second period as both sides exchanged pot-shots at goal before Bolarinwa's moment of magic with 13 minutes remaining.

The Sutton winger latched onto a Craig Eastmond header 35 yards from goal before weaving one way, then another past three defenders and slamming the ball into the net having left a trail of devastation in his wake.

It was a goal fit enough to win a game of such importance.

Sutton almost doubled their advantage shortly afterwards when susbstitute Harry Beautyman's effort left Ashmore rooted to the spot but unfortunately for the United midfielder his effort was agonisingly wide of the target. 

Sutton goalkeeper Jamie Butler was rarely troubled throughout the match thanks to an assured rearguard performance.

The defensive unit of Aswad Thomas, Terell Thomas, Louis John and skipper Jamie Collins all played their part in snuffing out what little threat Ebbsfleet posed.

The win pushes Sutton back up to third place and ensures they'll finish in their highest postition in the club's 120-year history.

Not only are the three points crucial but the manner in which they were won will provide the U's with a much-needed confidence boost ahead of next Saturday's all-ticket showdown with fourth-placed Aldershot Town.

A win or a draw for United will guarentee home advantage in the play-off semi-final on Sunday, May 6.