Sutton United chairman Bruce Elliott has heaped praise on Southampton for filling the void left by Premier League Fulham last month.
The Cottagers failed to agree a date to visit Gander Green Lane this summer under the terms of former striker Stefan Payne’s transfer deal.
Saints boss Alan Pardew brought a full-strength side to south London last weekend, but his side ended the trip being criticised for missing the post-match President’s Trophy presentation.
But Elliott insists an administrative error his end in the wake of the 1-1 draw - if anything - was to blame.
“They did us a massive favour. They fielded their strongest side of pre-season for this game,” he said.
“We thought they would win comfortably and when the game ended in a draw it caught us all by surprise. They were hastily invited to share the trophy.
“That wasn’t properly communicated to Southampton, so if anyone was to blame it was Sutton United.”
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