Solid first half performance leads to victory

Sutton Valence 3rd XI welcomed Herne Bay 5th XI off the back of a 4-1 victory the previous week.

Sutton Valence looked dominant from the start, with the midfield of Bob Bartlett, Stuart Edmed, Rod Harcourt, Alex Stanford and Darren Thompson moving the ball effortlessly between themselves through the middle of the field.

Sutton Valence soon took the lead after a ball into the D from Darren Thompson to Rob Cockayne, who was able to turn the defender and push the ball past the keeper.

The lead was shortly extended, with a fairly identical move between Thompson and Cockayne.

Rob Cockayne secured his hattrick mid-way through the half with a break from the half way line, fed by Darren Thompson. He managed to outpace two defenders, get around the advancing goalkeeper to hit the ball into the goal from the top of the D at a tight angle.

Sutton Valence made it a four-goal lead just before half time, following some silky skills from Bob Bartlett, who rifled the ball across the goal to Rob Cockayne who was unmarked at the back post.

Following half time medicinal treatment by new team Doctor, Charlie Worsfold, Sutton Valence came out fighting in the second half, however Herne Bay had found a resurgence of energy, which led to a fairly even game for the rest of the match. Alex Stanford looked the most likely to score, narrowly missing a well hit reverse stick shot, and a lob over the keeper saved.

The result was sealed with Cockayne’s fifth goal, from Darren Thompson’s fourth assist of the day, with a good strike into the D ever so slightly deflected in past the keeper.

A good game all round with some great individual performances for the Sutton Valence players, especially the defence of Andrew McVarish, David Turner, Bob Sagrott, Andy Bye and Nick Hall, who were impenetrable all game. Lee Croucher was also in attendance.

Goals: Rob Cockayne (5)

Team: Rob Cockayne; Alex Stanford; Andrew McVarish; Andy Bye; Rod Harcourt; Darren Thompson; Bob Bartlett; Stuart Edmed; Bob Sagrott; David Turner; Lee Croucher; Nick Hall.

Next week the 3rd Xl are away against K Sports 3rds at 10:45 at Cobdown Sports Club.