Sutton Valence 2nd XI took the short trip up the M20 to play Burnt Ash 6th XI in what is usually an enjoyable and even clash.

Not deterred by the impending rain and hurricane force winds Sutton Valence started the game in a rather positive manner, retaining possession and making a strong number of well calculated pass and move attacks. Heavily entrenched in Burnt Ash’s end and in control of the game it was not long into the game before Stuart Edmed took a flick at goal, the pace of which was taken off by a defender’s stick, for Rob Cockayne to get the slightest (and we mean slightest) of edges to help the ball on its way over the diving keeper.

The first half remained at 1-0 to Sutton Valence, although a number of great attacking moves were made by Sutton Valence, but not capitalised upon.

The half time team talk was focused on making stronger passes and getting an early goal to make a comeback beyond the opposition’s reach. Thankfully this can within minutes of push back, with great link-up between Duncan Field and Chris Stille down the right, for Stille to hit the baseline, drive into the Burnt Ash D and slot it to Rob Cockayne to make a diving sweep in under the goalkeeper.

Not one to be left out, dogged Chris Sheldon secured the third goal, with a superbly clean strike from the top of the D into the bottom left-hand corner of the goal, the pace of which would have been difficult for any keeper to stop.

Sutton Valence were unlucky not to get a fourth short after with Rob Cockayne’s reverse stick shot hitting the post, and Duncan Field narrowly missing out on tucking in the rebound.

Alas, with a change in personnel and Duncan Field making a rare appearance up front, he managed to secure the fourth goal with a tap in around the goalkeeper. Burnt Ash did manage an attack against the run of play to score a consolation goal shortly after.

Persevering, Sutton Valence score their fifth from a well thought out passing move in the Burnt Ash D, which saw Duncan Field deceive the defence with a lovely turn and slot into the bottom right hand corner of the goal.

A good performance to set the team up for next week’s clash with local rivals K-Sports 3rd XI.

Goals: Rob Cockayne (2); Duncan Field (2); Chris Sheldon

Team: Ross Mackay; Rob Cockayne; Adrian Gander; Ben Tragett; Duncan Field; Steve Parker; Chris Sheldon; James Abrahams; Stuart Edmed; Andy Barr; Chris Stille; Mark Whitmill.
Umpires: Provided by Burnt Ash.

Match Repoirt by Rob Cockayne.

Next week the 2nd Xl are at home at 09.45 against K Sports 3rd Xl.