1st Xl see-saw continues

A lack-lustre performance from Sutton Valence saw them surrender 3 points at home to New Beccehamians.
Not for the first time this season, injury and unavailability meant Valence were not fielding their strongest team. Conversely for the visitors, this was the first time they had had full availability this season and they struck early, the New Becc’s centre forward outpacing Valence’s back three to pick up a long aerial into Valence’s 23 and finish past the despairing home team keeper.
Valence responded 10 minutes later from a short corner. Turnill’s drag flick was saved by the keeper but Mitchell, first to respond, slotted the rebound home and draw the scores level.
It seemed this might be the spark Valence needed to gain momentum but nothing materialised. Like an old car trying to start there were moments when Valence looked like they were going to come to life and start ticking over but missed shots and poor passing saw possession and an attack splutter to a stop.
The visitors, on the other hand, were quick to jump on their opportunities and took them well. Their goals came from counterattacks which Valence made all the easier by not occupying the space between attack and defence, inviting New Beccs into the gulf between to create a player advantage.
Their second came from open play. A relatively unchallenged assault into the D, crossed to find the soon-to-be-scorer unchecked on the back post. Half time and the visitors led 2 - 1.
New Beccs’ added to their tally mid-way through the second half from a short corner, which was unfortunate as there had previously been some fine short corner saves from Young and a great reaction save from Blanchard on the post. The visitors finished their account with a cracking shot ricocheting off the crossbar. Final score 4 - 1
There were some notable performances from the home team. Brooks played well on his return to the village side, Montgomery was faultless on his 1st team debut and Man of the Match Turnill was as relentless as ever.

Goals: Lewis Mitchell
MoM: Andy Turnill
DoD: Chris Johnson - poor time-keeping

Team: Stewart Young, Russell Blanchard, Dan Brooks, Tim Wilcher, Angus McVarish, Scott Montgomery, Jack Davies, Louis Robinson, Lewis Mitchel, James Padwick, Andy Turnill, Kevin Kirkham.
Umpire: Andrew Lee.
Intended Umpire: Chris Johnson

Match Report by Stewart Young

Valence retain 4th spot in the League and visit 7th placed Sevenoaks 4XI next week.