Match Report: Canterbury 2–1 Sutton Valence

Sutton Valence produced a spirited performance but ultimately fell short in a hard-fought encounter against Canterbury, going down 2–1 despite a dominant second-half display.

The visitors endured a difficult start and found themselves two goals behind early on. Canterbury capitalised on defensive lapses, moving the ball sharply and finishing clinically to take control of the contest. At 2–0, Sutton Valence were on the ropes and in danger of losing touch with the game before it had properly settled.

Sutton Valence began to press higher and commit numbers forward, and their persistence was rewarded before the break. Ben Tragett reacted quickest inside the D to pull a goal back, giving Sutton Valence a vital foothold and shifting momentum heading into half-time at 2–1.

The second half belonged almost entirely to Sutton Valence. They controlled possession, pressed Canterbury deep into their own half and created a series of promising openings. The midfield dictated the tempo, while the back line held firm against rare counterattacks to keep the deficit at a single goal.

Despite their dominance, however, the equaliser proved elusive. A combination of resolute defending, near misses and strong goalkeeping denied Sutton Valence the goal their performance arguably deserved. As the final whistle blew (twice), there was a sense of frustration for the visitors, who had shown character and quality in abundance but were left to rue their slow start.

Sutton Valence can take positives from a commanding second-half display and the resilience shown after going two down.

Goal: Ben Tragett

Report By: Andrew Lee

Team: Hornsey, Whitmill, Parker, Blanchard, Shape, Lee, Tragett, Angel, Sheldon, Hodges, Stille, Sheldon.
MOTM: Hornsey.
Umpire: Thompson

Next Match: Holcombe Harriers (H) 12:45