Match Report: Holcombe Hawks vs Sutton Valence 2nd XI
Venue: Holcombe Park, Medway
Result: Holcombe Hawks 2 – 3 Sutton Valence
Scorers: Sandberg (3)
A Gritty Comeback in the Gloom
On a murky, gloomy afternoon in Medway, Sutton Valence 2nd XI produced a spirited second-half fightback to overturn a two-goal deficit and edge out Holcombe Hawks 3–2. The win owed much to determination, a touch of fortune, and a true poacher’s performance from Alex Sandberg, who bagged all three goals.
First Half: All the Play, None of the Reward
Despite dominating much of the first half, Sutton Valence found themselves two goals down at the break. Holcombe made the most of their limited opportunities, converting both of their short corners with clinical precision. Sutton Valence moved the ball well and created openings, but the final touch eluded them as Holcombe’s defence held firm.
Second Half: Persistence Pays Off
The second half saw a more even contest, though Sutton Valence continued to press. Their persistence was rewarded as Sandberg began his hat-trick with a scrappy finish, forcing the ball over the line after a goalmouth scramble.
His second came from a moment of individual brilliance — Alex Stanford drove into the 23, dancing past two defenders before unleashing a fierce strike from the top of the D. The Holcombe keeper did well to parry the initial shot, but Sandberg was on hand again to finish from close range.
The winner followed in similar fashion — another opportunistic effort that just managed to dribble over the line, sealing Sandberg’s hat-trick and completing Sutton Valence’s comeback.
A Team Effort
It was a victory built on teamwork and belief. The defence, marshalled by keeper Andrew Hornsey and anchored by Steve Parker, Zak Blanchard on the right and Chris Jonson whirling away on the left, stayed resolute in the closing stages. In midfield, Ben Tragett, Tom Willson and Brett Angel worked tirelessly to maintain control, while captain Harrison Sharpe led by example throughout.

Report By: Brett Angel

Goals: Alex Sandberg x3

Sutton Valence 2nd XI:
Andrew Hornsey (GK), Steve Parker, Zak Blanchard, Chris Johnson, Alex Sandberg, Ben Tragett, Tom Willson, Brett Angel, Alex Hodges, Alex Stanford, Chris Shelton, Harrison Sharpe (C)

Next Match: Folkestone (A) 15:30