Sutton Valence turned up to fortress Underhill on a brisk morning to face Marden 7ths, easy you’d have thought, but to a man a new team in opposition to those beaten in the first half of the season.
Valence started well dominating possession and passing the ball around nicely but were unable to find the final pass each time they approached the Marden goal.
Then out of the blue the Marden striker had the ball on the top of the D and swivelled to score with a good finish. Valence battled on and got a goal back through the endeavours of Chris Sheldon and Duncan Field; not the prettiest of goals but back on level terms before half time.
The second half started much as the first with Valence unable to get on to the final ball and Marden hitting hopeful long passes through the SV lines. Marden definitely brought their axes with them and pulled off a great smash and grab game, scoring twice in quick succession with the aid of some lovely footwork upfront. Valence pulled a goal back with a majestic run into the D from Tom Willson. It looked as though the ball wasn’t going to go in as Willson and then Sheldon had shots blocked, but Willson slotted home to bring the score back to 3-2.
With full time looming the efforts of even the tireless Alex Hodges couldn’t bring the scores level as another great effort down the right come to nought. SV had to console themselves with Sausages and Chips and lots of Goachers. Teas won at least

Goals: Duncan Field; Tom Willson.

Team: Ross Mackay; Alastair Robinson; Tom Willson; Alex Hodges; Darren Thompson; Chris Sheldon; Andy Barr; Duncan Field; Adrian Gander; Stuart Edmed; John Edmed; Charlie Tucker; Ben Tragett.
Umpires: Andy McVarish; Rob Cockayne.

Match report by Stuart Edmed.

Next week the 2nd Xl are away at 16:00 against Blackheath & Elthamians Highwaymen.