The bad omen was set by captain Hall, with the “anyone got a spare stick I can borrow” cry, but not to be put off their stride, Sutton Valence warmed up in earnest, excited by the return of their prodigal son, Seb O’Leary. The greater excitement being “someone young with legs” in the side.

Captain Hall bounded to the half way line for the pre-match toss, armed with borrowed stick, to promptly return having won the toss and elected to push back.

The scene was set. Harcourt Senior had given his pearls of wisdom as to how to beat their keeper, based on the last time Sutton Valence faced this side. Thompson had also chirped up with some comments about something or other. Sutton Valence lined up ready to go firing into the aging Friars, Aiming to draw first blood in this eagerly awaiting contest. Confidence was high, morale was stratospheric.

Fast forward to 15 minutes into the game, and Sutton Valence were 2-0 down; Gander was casually looking around asking “when is push back”, not realising the match had already started.

Putting this to the back of their minds, Sutton Valence started dominating the very well organised Friars, with excellent link up play between the three central midfielders - Edmed, O’leary and Thompson. These three breaking into the opposing D at will, whilst creating acres of space for the wide men to put excellent balls in, Harcourt J being on the end of a lot of these balls, well controlling and bringing others into play.

Whilst the Friars defence held firm, Valence continued to probe and penetrate at will, with their goalie stopping almost everything that went near him.

Eventually, Valence got a goal back. A great run into the D by Field, unleashing a shot which was arrowing into the far bottom corner, only to see R Harcourt jab his stick at the ball as it was travelling over the line.

Finally the equaliser came. The dominance started to pay off and Sutton Valence started winning penalty corners, with the Harcourt/Thompson link up proving the difference, with Thompson unleashing one past the otherwise excellent goalkeeper.

Despite Sutton Valence continuing to probe and penetrate, to the point that a restraining order was requested, no more goals were forthcoming.

This performance was a sight to behold, with many locals wandering up to pay money to watch Valence 3rd XI, but sadly the match finished 2-2.

Next week, Sutton Valence travel to top of the table Folkestone, hoping their vice captain and apex Centre Forward will have regained fitness in time to finish a few of the chances the team are creating.

Report By: Nick Hall

Goals : Thompson (1), R Harcourt (1)

Team : Ross Mackay (gk), Adrian Gander, James Abrahams, Nick Hall (c), Julian Mills, Stuart Edmed, Seb O’Leary, Darren Thompson, Duncan Field, Jonah Harcourt, Alex Sandberg, Rod Harcourt

Next Match: Folkstone (A) 12:00