Valence demonstrate ability far outweighs pace

On a sunny but fresh October morning, Valence arrived at Marden with a bare 11 and a goalkeeper who had been bedridden all week with Covid, expecting to find a strong and overly cocky Marden side.
Well, the latter was true. Less said about the former, the better, thanks to one whippersnapper declaring “it’s ok lads, we’ll be fine…they got no pace”. If this was designed to get under our skin, that was the worst plan since Abraham Lincoln said "Oh I'm sick of kicking around the house tonight, let's go take in a show!" For the next 10 minutes whilst 198 was on the pitch (before his tired little legs needed a break), we set out to prove that not only were we a more skilful team, with more than sufficient pace to win most balls.

Valence took quick control of the match, with their passing game clicking from the off, creating good opportunities. Unfortunately, Marden caught Valence cold and scored the first goal of the game. But, rather than gain the upper hand, this only galvanised Valence and they upped their performance, taking control of the game. Chris Sheldon quickly got the equaliser followed by Alastair Robinson scoring a trademark volley at the far post after a great cross by Chris Stille.

Valence continued to dominate the game, with Alex Hodges playing right back, right wing, centre mid and occasionally centre forward. Marden, taking advantage of Valence’s attacking play, found themselves open to score a 2nd. 2-2. And the goals kept coming. Ben Tragett scored the third goal for Valence, from a short corner, slipped out right to him. 3-2. Another breakaway goal, 3-3.
Valence had had enough of a tight game and shored up at the back, whilst continuing to attack. Dazzler scored a lovely flick, following an illegal stop from a Tragett strike. Not to be outdone, Andy Barr got in on the act for 5-3. No more gaps at the back, and Valence saw out the match.

Lots of arguments for MOTM between Tom Willson and Alex Hodges - Willson was controlling the midfield, from deep all the way forward, but Hodges just tipped it for the ground he covered and the actions he started and nearly finished!

Dick of the Day goes to Marden’s 198 - not just for his early comment, but his petulant attitude at the end - disappearing into the dugout to avoid hand-shakes.

Teas weren’t bad either - SBC - they couldn’t beat us, but they can try and copy our teas. Bit like comparing M&S and Lidl though.

Goals : Chris Sheldon, Alastair Robinson, Ben Tragett, Darren Thompson, Andy Barr

Team: Ross Mackay; Nick Hall; Chris Stille; James Abrahams; Alex Hodges; Alastair Robinson; Darren Thompson; Andy Barr; Ben Tragett; Chris Sheldon; Tom Willson.
Umpires: Provided by Marden.

Match report by Nick Hall.

Next week the 2nd Xl are at home against Old Williamsonians 5th Xl at 09.45 on the Senior School astro.