The mighty Sutton Valence 2nd Xl travelled into areas normally unknown just short of the river, not the Medway, which may be surprising to some that there is another river, and took on Gravesham & Wellcome Unicorns. With a name like that they did not know what to expect but the team were up for the challenge and started the game in excellent spirits. There was some superb passing from the back and through midfield and it would be fair to say Valence dominated the first 20 minutes of the game but unfortunately striker Wills was unable to hit a barn door let alone the opponents’ goal, despite some superb passes in from Duncan Field and Jack Sheldon.
This became a continual theme throughout the first half with some outstanding performances from Dan Brooks, Jack Sheldon and Ben Tragett who all showed their skills and ability to control the game from their places on the field.
The opposition then started to gain momentum and gave the defenders some trouble at the back and it was left to Stewart Young to make some excellent saves but alas finally one slipped by and Valence’s heads dropped. Gravesham continued to dominate for the remainder of the half but Valence managed to get to half time 0-1 even though their 12th & 13th players were doing everything they could to help them get further ahead.
A motivational talk at half time from coach/player Chris Sheldon gave the team good spirits and Valence started the second half with some good chances which came through from some excellent play from midfield with Ben Tragett, Jack Sheldon and Andy Barr looking very solid on the ball. Chances came again through some short corners and superb passes but Chris Stille and Duncan Wills were unable to put any of the chances away.
There were unfortunately some decisions that could have gone either way but it seemed that lady luck was against Sutton Valence. When Wills took it upon himself to point out to the umpire an obvious foot, noted by the players on both sides which was not the first time, he was spoken to with many a gesture from the umpire and was removed from the pitch for 2 minutes to think over his outburst. Over 3 minutes passed and Chris Sheldon remarked that it might be time for Wills to return which resulted in the umpire giving Wills a further green card when all he was doing was discussing Christmas plans in the dug-out with their resident mascot Maddie Wills!!! It came as a shock to both teams and finally he was allowed back on with his tail between his legs.
Unfortunately, Gravesham sensed the visitors’ heads were down and in quick succession scored 2 more taking it to 0-3. Some further chances came with excellent running from Alex Hodges but on the day Valence were unable to convert anything and the match closed out 0-3, which was not a reflection of the game-play that was seen by all.
Valence go into next week needing a win to stop this poor run of results.

MOM: Jack Sheldon

Team: Stewart Young; Alex Hodges; Duncan Field; Simon Myers; Charlie Tucker; Duncan Wills; Jack Sheldon; Chris Sheldon; Ben Tragett; Dan Brooks; Andy Barr; Chris Stille.
Umpires: Provided by Gravesham & Wellcome.

Match report by Duncan Wills.

Next week, in the last game prior to Christmas, the 2nd Xl are at home against Old Williamsonians 5th Xl.