Having not played in over a month, the Third team made the long journey to Herne Bay with another scratch team. With various regulars unavailable the squad consisted of one goalie, one defender, one forward and ten midfielders - hardly a balanced selection and one that Captain Windmill did well to squeeze into a formation.

Right from the off, Valence played at pace and dominated the first quarter. Utilising the many natural wingers in the side, the team used the full width of the pitch to stretch the home team and carve out a few early opportunities.

The Herne Bay threatened occasionally, but it wasn't until Sutton rang the changes that they really came into the game. The initial good shape was lost and was never fully recovered, allowing Herne Bay's forwards more and more opportunities to attack and by the end of the half they were doing so, almost at will.

Despite some defensive short corner heroics, Valence went into half time having conceded two rather soft goals just before the break. It was still a close game and if the rhythm of the opening period could be reproduced, the game was there to be won.

The second half was a pretty even affair, with neither side able to get the upper hand. Committed in defence and profligate in possession, both sides proved dangerous on the counter and were frequently indebted to their respective 'keepers.

Despite not getting anything out of the match at the final whistle, the team can take a good number of positives from the performance. However, there is also plenty of room for improvement - especially in the quality of the passing game.