Valence show fight

SV 2s played their one and only proper pre-season friendly on Saturday against Deal 1s, a team against whom they have had some good battles with over the last couple of years in the league, and probably will do again this season. With skipper Sonic out (was the team stronger or weaker, you decide...?), and the 1st team taking a large squad to their game, it was a much changed side from last season, with Angel sneaking off the bench. In truth, Deal were the better and more organised side, as they should be as a 1st team, scoring a goal in each of the first three quarters, and missing a couple of sitters too. But Valence had their chances, and for some long periods of the game pushed Deal far back in their half under strong pressure. Unfortunately, this was the downfall for the team, with goals 2 and 3 both coming from SV pushing too far up and being punished on the break.

They kept fighting, with the Robinson brothers (lost track of how many there are now) running endlessly, Max Ife showing nice skills up front, and Alex Hodges having a sterling 2nd team debut after excelling for the 3s the last couple of seasons. It was also good to see Tim back in the side after 18 months out since being attacked by a naughty Canterbury player in the 14/15 season. It was left to two 2nd XI stalwarts from last season to score the goals that left Deal to sweat the final few minutes, and earn the team due reward for much effort.

Bring on Shadows next week. DT - the 3s are away this week.