Away loss for 3rd XI

Sutton Valence 3rd XI travelled away to second placed New Beccehamian 3rd XI at the HSBC Sports Ground following last week’s loss to top of the Division Gillingham Anchorians.

The game as a whole was very evenly matched, with end to end action and plenty of possession for both teams.

New Beccs managed to break the deadlock following a defensive error by Sutton Valence, leaving the ball to go out, but not spotting a New Beccs' player stood unmarked at the rear post.

New Beccs soon extended their lead to two following another defensive error, with Sutton Valence failing to clear a 16 hit properly.

Sutton Valence did manage to pull one back in the second half, with Julian Mills clearing up a loose ball after Ed Hawes-Gatt had driven into the D and got taken out by the New Beccs' keeper.

The game ended 2-1 to the home team. Sutton Valence had their chances, but a number of good saves by the New Beccs' keeper, and two goal-line clearance by their defenders sealed the result.

A well-mannered game all round, with rather good umpiring.

Goals: Julian Mills

Team: Mark Whitmill; Rob Cockayne; Bob Sagrott; Bob Bartlett; Mike Nettle; Paul Linaker; Julian Mills; Rod Harcourt; Andrew McVarish; Andy Bye; Roger Fermor; Charlie Tucker; Ed Hawes-Gatt.
Umpires: Provided by home team.

Next week, weather allowing, the 3rd Xl are at home at 11:15 against Sittingbourne 4th Xl.