Sutton Valence started the game very strongly, with lively running and nice passing. Eventually they won short corner after applying on-going pressure, in which Chris Sheldon looped a shot at goal which dipped into the net and was awarded. 0-1 Valence.
Shortly thereafter another thrusting Valence move through the centre right of midfield with some lovely interplay between Tom Bartlett, Alex Hodges and Duncan Field resulted in a free strike on goal in the D from Alex Hodges which was parried away by the immobile keeper into the path of Alistair Robinson who smashed a shot into the foot of a defender. In the resulting short corner Chris Sheldon drove a beautifully clean shot into the bottom right of the goal through a gaggle of home defenders. 0-2 Valence and looking good for it.
Valence let their guard slip a little at this stage and despite some generally strong defending were caught short with a Beccs’ breakaway through the middle. Despite a valiant keeper Mark Whitmill lunge and awesome back-stick clearance the goal was awarded.
This event wakened Valence from any complacency with some superb work between Alex Hodges / Chris Sheldon / Tom Bartlett including a quick fire move that sadly didn’t convert despite best efforts. Chris Sheldon’s third was a fine shot from open play leaving Valence in a strong position at half-time.
Sutton Valence were less in control second half. This was probably from a combination of the effects of the heat, legs tiring and less accuracy in their passing but also from New Beccs’ rallying. Valence ran more but passed less in the second half.
Despite this they were able to stop the home team from scoring and held on to what looked to be a comfortable win.

Goals: Chris Sheldon (3)

Team: Mark Whitmill, Nick Hall, Adrian Gander, James Abrahams, Charlie Tucker, Alistair Robinson, Duncan Field, Jack Sheldon, Alex Hodges, Tom Bartlett, Chris Sheldon.
Umpires supplied by New Beccs.

Next week 2nd Xl are at home against Holcombe Harriers.

Match notes by Alistair Robinson.