1st Xl break run of losses

After two consecutive losses, Sutton Valence 1st XI headed up the hill to face Gore Court with the simple aim of putting an end to their losing streak. After a village ‘picnic table’ pre-game meeting and the briskest of warm-ups; under floodlights the match began.
Both teams started evenly with Valence holding the majority of possession but Gore Court looking dangerous on the break. With some patient play down the right wing from Chris Johnson and Brett Angel, Valence were able to draw successive fouls and soon enter the D for the first penalty corner of the game. After a false start and a major reshuffle, Valence got the flick away but a brilliant top corner save from the Gore court keeper would keep Valence at bay; not for the last time during the game. Then a pass from Andy Turnill from the right, found Kevin Kirkham on the edge of the 25, who beat a couple of defenders and hit from the edge of the dee, beating the keeper. 1 – 0 to Valence.
Spurred on, Valence continued the attack with centre back Ryan Robinson doing his best Forrest Gump impersonation, running the ball from one end of the pitch to the other. This continued attacking mentality unfortunately gave Gore Court a chance on the break; despite one Gore Court striker playing with an ice pack taped to his hamstring, an opportunity none the less was created. With Stewart Young the Valence keeper court off balance, the most unlikely of shots dribbled into the near corner of the Valence goal.
The half ended 1-1
Spurred on by the encouraging team talk, “just pass it to a red”, Valence continued where they kicked off. With the game opening up and both teams now attacking on the break; some solid work in the in the centre of the park from allowed Valence’s Lewis Mitchell to gain access to the Gore Court D. An aggressive pass towards the goal ended with the unexpected result of finding the backboard. 2 – 1 to Valence.
Now with Gore Court trying to get back into the game, some brave defensive work was required from the Valence back-three, including some very timely tackles from Russell Blanchard. Unable to convert, play moved back up the other end of the field and again where Valence are awarded another penalty corner; this time Mitchell unable to convert the pass to the back post.
A final individual flourish from Kevin Kirkham with a flick over the keeper sealed the well-deserved and enjoyable victory for Sutton Valence.

Goals: Kevin Kirkham (2) Lewis Mitchell
MOM: Russell Blanchard
DoD: Andy Turnill

Team: Stewart Young, Russell Blanchard, Ryan Robinson, Chris Johnson, Jack Davies, Fred McVarish, Lewis Mitchell, Brett Angel, Andy Turnill, Kevin Kirkham, Chris Stille, Ollie Laing
Umpire: Andrew Wishart

Next week the 1st Xl are due to play K Sports 1st Xl at home on the Senior astro at 11.15.

Match Report by Jack Davies