The new season began under rainy conditions as Sutton Valence 2s hosted Blackheath & Elthamians Heathens in their first home fixture. The visitors adapted more quickly to the wet surface and made a fast start.

Blackheath opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a well-taken finish, and doubled their advantage in the 12th minute after a rebound from a short corner. Sutton were put further behind in the 21st minute, when a midfield turnover was punished to make it 3–0.

Sutton responded in the 27th minute with their best move of the match. Chris Sheldon found Ben Tragett at the top of the D, who struck goalwards. Duncan Wills applied a deft deflection to wrong-foot the goalkeeper and reduce the deficit to 3–1.

Blackheath, however, restored their three-goal cushion in the 31st minute, bundling home another close-range effort to take a 4–1 lead into half-time.

The second half was more balanced, with Sutton improving their pressing and composure. Harrison Sharpe worked tirelessly in midfield, Alex Hodges offered width and attacking intent down the right, and Mark Whitmill provided a strong defensive presence with well-timed challenges.

Despite the improvement, Blackheath extended their lead further. A deflected effort in the 48th minute made it 5–1, and although they were temporarily reduced to ten players following a green card for dissent in the 52nd minute, Sutton were unable to capitalise. Blackheath sealed the result in the 56th minute with their sixth goal from another rebound.

The match finished 6–1, a difficult result but one that included positives for Sutton Valence. The second-half performance, combined with a well-worked team goal, provided encouragement as the squad continues to adjust to the new season.

Goal: Duncan Wills

Team:
C Sheldon
D Wills
C Stile
H Sharpe (c)
B Tragett
C Johnson
A Hodges
M Whitmill
S Parker
O Sheldon
D Turner
D Thompson
A Robinson

Report By: Olly Sheldon

Next Match: Burnt Ash M4 VS SVHC 2 12:00