Return of The Back

With a few irregular faces in the match day squad the initial exchanges were a little disjointed. However, that was no excuse for Pitch Captain Brett Angel, seeking to set the tone with an Excalibur strike on a New Beccs stick less than two minutes into the match; fortunately the Umpire decided that a stern talking to should be the extent of the administered discipline. It become apparent that, for the first time this season, Valence (except Back) could claim to be the fitter team. Willson, Angel and Wilcher reunited in the middle, were supported by Lee and Johnson on the wings, driving the team forward through the midfield. Valence pressurised New Beccs backline and began to get behind the visiting defence and create chances.

Any progression forward, generally lacked rhythm, so it was down to sibling synergy to find a way through. Turnill R picked up the ball in defence and threaded a direct ball to Turnill A. Into the D, Turnill (A) Senior caressed an elegant undercut into the roof of the net. 1 Nil Valence.
Valence continued to force opportunities and were generally the better team. New Beccs were restricted to a few chances, albeit, they still managed to force the keeper into action on a couple of occasions, with Young forced to make one particularly strong save, diving low to his left. Valence were the dominant team and they continued to push. Chris Stille linked with Willson and supplied Turnill Senior to double the advantage. 2 Nil.
Inspired by the stories of Russ’s aerial to finish off Folkestone last week, Chris Back thought he would try one of his own. With the confidence of his left back colleague Back launched the ball gracefully into the air, before the ball’s trajectory had changed to being floor-bound, Back was already offering advice to the recipient. Turnill wasn’t listening, a lucky touch (according to Back), turned the defender and found the goal again. 3 Nil.
The half time speech should have been easy, but this is a team that was 4 nil up last week at half time and then allowed the opposition to score 3 goals, before responding. The message was simple keep it calm, work off the ball and pass to a red.

The second half was not a repeat of the first. Sutton Valence did manage to keep a clean sheet, but it was not without drama! Going forward the home team continued to cause the visitors problems, using the width much better, with Turnill Jnr and the footloose Johnson supporting the midfield trilogy of; Angel, Willson and Wilcher. Chances, however, went begging; Angel, Lee and Pete Rogers could have all done better in front of goal. Even Turnill Snr could not recreate the magic of the first half.

The rain came down, as did Valence’s performance. Willson, got the ball and sought to instil some confidence back in the team. In the left back position, he rounded the unmanned and motionless stick on the floor and dully dribbled off the side of the pitch.
The match concluded in an otherwise uneventful manner, with limited goalmouth action to report.

MOM: Andrew Turnill (Hattrick