On a sweltering September afternoon, the stage was set for an exciting season opener as Sutton Valence 2nd XI faced off against Burnt Ash (Bexley) 3rd XI. With temperatures rising and the sun shining brightly, both teams took to the field under challenging conditions.

The team was quietly confident that they could roll back into the form from last season, how little they knew, as the summer has taken it’s toll, and the performance levels were not what they should have been.

Right from the outset, it was clear that Burnt Ash had come well-prepared for this first league fixture, boasting a more organized squad in contrast to Sutton Valence, who had managed to assemble just 11 players (with 1 joining in the 2nd half). Despite this disadvantage, Sutton Valence started the match with determination and grit, starting with winning the toss!

The first half unfolded as a competitive affair, with both teams demonstrating tenacity. Burnt Ash, leveraging their preparation, dominated possession and frequently pushed into the attacking third. They generated several short corners, showcasing their tactical awareness, but Sutton Valence's defense stood firm, managing to thwart many of these attempts. One of these eventually slipped through, and SV went 0-1 down. However, Sutton Valence also made noteworthy forays into Burnt Ash’s half, creating a handful of attacking opportunities that kept the match well-balanced, but not able to capitalise on any of these and secure an equaliser.

As the second half commenced, the dynamics of the match shifted decisively in favor of Burnt Ash. The heat and lack of fitness began to take its toll on the Sutton Valence players, who found it increasingly challenging to maintain the pace set by their opponents. With a string of well-coordinated plays, Burnt Ash capitalized on their stamina and tactical advantage, converting several chances into goals and extending their lead. Despite the mounting pressure, Sutton Valence showcased resilience and determination, working to regain control of the game. However, they struggled to find their rhythm and were left chasing the game as Burnt Ash maintained their momentum.

In conclusion, Burnt Ash emerged as the clear winners on the day, especially in the second half. Sutton Valence will take this experience to heart as they look to regroup and improve for their next fixture. With hope for a better performance in the coming week, the team will be aiming to build on the positives from today’s match and adapt to the lessons learned.

**Final Score:** Sutton Valence 2nd XI 0 - 5 Burnt Ash (Bexley) 3rd XI

Stuart Young

Olly Sheldon

Steve Parker

Adrian Gander

James Wilmott

Alistair Robinson

Tom Willson

Ben Tradgett

Ron Harcourt

Chris Sheldon

Chris Stile

Duncan Wills