Rough outcome for Valence

Sutton Valence 2s played BBHC away. It was an explosive start from both sides. Valence had more control and better passing, but BBHC had the edge on pace. Shortly into the first half, BBHC scored the first goal of the game. It did not take long for SV to come back, with goal from Ben Tragett.
It was a battle from both sides, and the soggy pitch made it difficult for both teams to stay on their feet. SV player Alex Hodges gave SV the lead, after running up the right wing with the ball, a short scrap in the D, followed by a goal.
Towards the end of the first half, another clean goal scored from SV player Chris Sheldon, but BBHC came back with a goal just at the end of the first half, leaving the half time score 2-3 to SV.
Both sides came out in the second half acting as though the score was 0-0. SV began to lack the pace shortly into the second half. That, combined with the home pitch advantage, one of the BBHC attacking players slipped through SV defence and equalised.
Towards the end of the second half, a play created by Lewis Mitchell saw a BBHC player take him out, followed by another BBHC player landing on Lewis’s head with both feet.
The penalty was given, only for Lewis to be obstructed outside the D by another one of the opposition, preventing the opportunity for SV to take the lead with the last play of the game.
The umpires’ decision was to turn over the ball, despite the two clear fouls by BBHC, and with seconds left on the clock, the ball was hit out of BBHC’s half.
It was a well-balanced game and both sides played very well.

Goals: Ben Tragett; Alex Hodges; Chris Sheldon.

Team: Ross Mackay; Nick Hall (C); Adrian Gander; James Abrahams; Charlie Tucker; Ben Tragett; Andy Barr; Alex Hodges; Chris Stille; Chris Sheldon; Jack Sheldon; Alastair Robinson; Rod Harcourt; Lewis Mitchell; Ed Hawes-Gatt.

Match report by Charlie Tucker.

Next week the 2nd Xl are at home on the Senior School Astro at 09.45 against Holcombe Harriers.