On a crisp autumn day with the sun breaking through the clouds, Sutton Valance HC 2s hosted Canterbury Squires in what turned out to be an exciting, end-to-end encounter. The pitch, still damp from the heavy rain the night before, made for a fast-paced game, with both teams eager to secure the points.

From the first whistle, the match was characterised by high energy and attacking play from both sides, but it was Sutton Valance who showed the most composure when it mattered. Andrew Hornsey was solid in goal, pulling off a series of crucial saves to keep the opposition at bay. His reflexes and calmness under pressure were pivotal in ensuring his team maintained their advantage throughout.

At the back, the defensive unit of Mark Whitmill, Russell, and Zak Blanchard stood firm, dealing with a barrage of Canterbury attacks. Russell was unfortunately forced off the pitch after taking a head injury from a deflected ball, but Harrison Sharpe was quick to step in, taking up a left defensive position with remarkable composure. The defensive line, despite the setback, held strong under pressure and kept the Canterbury forwards at bay.

In midfield, Ben Tradgett, Harrison Sharpe, Brett Angel, Tom Willson, James Stanford, and Alex Stanford worked tirelessly, creating opportunities and breaking down Canterbury’s attacks. Alex Hodges was a standout, showing great stamina with his continuous running up and down the pitch, always in the right place to support both defence and attack.

Up front, the attacking duo of Chris Stile and Chris Sheldon were relentless, pressuring the Canterbury defence and keeping the opposition goalkeeper busy. Their efforts were rewarded with two well-taken goals. The first came at the 20-minute mark, with James Stanford scoring a spectacular back-stick goal from open play, a stunning finish that sent the home crowd into raptures. Early in the second half, Brett Angel made it 2-0 with a precise shot into the corner from a short corner, giving Sutton Valance a crucial cushion.

However, just five minutes into the second half, Canterbury found a way back into the game. A strong individual run down the right wing by one of their attackers saw him drive the ball deep into Sutton Valance’s defensive area before cutting it back to a waiting teammate in front of goal. The Canterbury forward made no mistake, finishing calmly to make it 2-1 and set up a tense final period of play.

Despite the setback, Sutton Valance’s organisation and discipline in defence prevented Canterbury from finding an equaliser. The game remained tight, with both sides creating plenty of attacking opportunities, but it was Sutton Valance who emerged victorious, holding on to their 2-1 lead.

As the final whistle blew, both teams could take pride in their performances, but Sutton Valance’s solid team play and resilience in key moments ensured they took the three points. The players now look forward to the return fixture in the new year, where Canterbury will undoubtedly seek revenge, but Sutton Valance will be full of confidence following a hard-fought and well-deserved victory.

Goals: James Stanford, Brett Angel

Player List:
• Andrew Hornsey (Goalkeeper)
• Mark Whitmill (Defender)
• Russell Blanchard (Defender)
• Zak Blanchard (Defender)
• Harrison Sharpe (Defender/Midfield)
• Ben Tragett (Midfield)
• Brett Angel (Midfield/Forward)
• Tom Willson (Midfield)
• James Stanford (Midfield/Forward)
• Alex Stanford (Midfield)
• Alex Hodges (Midfield/Forward)
• Chris Stile (Forward)
• Chris Sheldon (Forward)

Final Score: Sutton Valance HC 2s 2-1 Canterbury Squires

Looking forward to seeing how the team builds on this solid performance heading into their next fixture!

Next Match: Holcome Harriers (A) 11:00