Folkestone Optimist 5 2 - 4 Sutton Valence 2

Sutton Valence 2nd team moved up to 2nd in their league with a fine team performance, probably their best this season so far.

Travelling to Folkestone for a late afternoon game they faced an unbeaten side, who started a point and a place ahead of them, and expected a tough encounter.

Sutton Valence started the game strongly, moving the ball quickly with purpose, while the midfield of Angel, Willson, Tragett and Stanford closed down any Folkestone threats. Zach Blanchard was constantly available out wide, and Alex Hodges was causing havoc with his pace. Having raced down the right flank he combined with Tragett for Angel to slot home and give Sutton Valence the lead.

Sutton Valence continued to dominate the ball, with forwards Sheldon and Stille offering good movement to open up spaces for the midfield to exploit. More sharp passing and a fine run from Chris Stille created an opportunity for Sheldon to fire home to make it 0-2.

Sutton Valence continued to press with Folkestone struggling to contain the relentless pressure. Another attack into the Folkestone D saw shots fired which were well saved, before the ball found Stille in the D, who made no mistake in finding the backboard with the aid of a deflection to make it 0-3

Towards the end of the first half Folkestone did apply some pressure and managed to earn themselves a short corner, just moments before the half time whistle. The initial shot was well saved, but the ball fell kindly to a Folkestone player, who found the back of the net with the last action of the half. 1-3 the half-time score.

The second half started with Folkestone on the front foot, enjoying a little more posession, and Sutton Valence making a couple of misplaced passes. The back line of Blanchard, Parker and Blanchard with keeper Hornsey remained resolute and protected their goal well. Sutton Valence retained their composure having resisted the early pressure and again attacked Folkestone's goal with fluid passing. An excellent individual run into the 25 and D from Willson created a shot on goal which was saved by the keeper, but the rebound found Willson again in front of goal with time and space to pick his spot and slot home Sutton Valence's fourth. 1-4.

With Sutton Valence in the ascendancy again they nearly had a 5th, another great run from Alex Hodges, started on his own 25 yard line, and finished by putting the ball in the goal, only for it to be disallowed.
Good hold up play and a strong run from Rod Harcourt then earned Valence a short corner which was well defended.

In the final few minutes Folkestone got a second goal when they were awarded another short corner. The shot on goal was duffed horribly, and the result was a bouncing ball that eluded both the diving Hornsey and defender on the post to dribble over the line and into the corner of the goal. Final score 2-4

Report By: Steve Parker

Goal's: Brett Angel, Chris Stille, Chris Sheldon, Tom Willson

Team:
Russel Blanchard
Brett Angel
Andrew Homsey
Chris Stille
Zak Blanchard
Chris Sheldon
Tom Willson
Ben Tragett
Alex Hodges
Steve Parker
Alex Stanford
Rod Harcourt

Next week Valence host K-Sports 15:00 in the last league game before the Christmas break