Sutton United picked up two well-earned points from two difficult road trips this week and it’s a sign of how far the club has come in recent seasons that they felt they should have done better.

The U’s travelled to the north-east last Saturday to take on Hartlepool United and were by far the more creative of the two sides.

Having missed several chances to take the lead, Sutton fell behind in the 39th minute when Rhys Oates pounced on a lose ball to poke the hosts ahead.

The U’s stuck to the task and created several more opportunities but their luck looked to be out when influential midfielder Craig Eastmond sustained a nasty ankle injury as the fourth official indicated a further five minutes of added time.

However, with time almost up, Aswad Thomas sent in a fine cross from the left that was gleefully volleyed home by Tommy Wright to send the Sutton fans wild and make the long return journey south that bit more bearable.

United made the much shorter trip to fellow National League high fliers Aldershot Town on Tuesday night looking to improve on their poor recent record at the Recreation Ground.

Sutton took the lead in the fifth minute thanks to a header from impressive defender Louis John.

Although Aldershot levelled through Bernard Mensah 10 minutes later, the U’s saw their attacking play rewarded once again when Craig Dundas headed home a cross from John’s cross in the 30th minute.

The Shots restored parity once again from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute when Scott Rendell held his nerve to fire past Sutton goalkeeper Jamie Butler.

The U’s went on to give an impressive second half display and should have taken all three points but missed three gilt-edged chances.

Dean Beckwith should have converted from close range, Wright saw a shot hit the underside of the crossbar and Ross Lafayette missed the target when it seemed easier to score.

A point at Aldershot is still an excellent result and Sutton boss Paul Doswell was delighted with his team’s efforts this week.

“I thought the players were sensational,” he said.

“You can’t over-estimate travelling to Hartlepool on a Friday, not getting back until about 1am on the following Sunday and then coming here — and Aldershot were at home on Saturday — it’s an incredible effort and testament to their fitness and their togetherness. I am very proud.”

Performances away from the Knights Community Stadium have been a key element to Sutton's success this season with the U's having picked up 15 points from the eight games on the road.

It's a complete contrast to last season where the U's won just two of their 23 away matches.

"Our away form is crucial, we sort of saw that last season," said Doswell.

"The home form pretty much propped up the away results last year.

"I think performance-wise, most of our support knew we played relatively well in most of the games but we didn't get much luck away from home last year.

"This year, we're more determined to get that right and I think the lads have responded very, very well."

Fourth-placed Sutton host mid-table Ebbsfleet United on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.