Sutton Valence 2's hosted Holcombe Harriers at the normally 'slippery when dry' Prep School pitch. On arrival Holcombe crammed their squad in the pavilion to talk tactics, and were forced to stop a number of times as SUtton VAlence players used the facilities.
The Harriers settled into the game quicker than Sutton Valence and immediately got on the front foot. Sutton Valence were under pressure for the first 10 minutes and conceded 2 early goals, after getting overloaded in defence. The second goal finally sparked something in Sutton Valence as they found a different gear, and started to move the ball with more confidence and intensity. After a number of short corners, Duncan Wills fired a low shot in the bottom left corner to bring the game back to 2-1. With momentum on their side Sutton Valence were hungry for the equaliser, but were caught on the break just before half time as the Harriers took a 2 goal cushion into break.

Sutton Valence started the second half much better than they did in the 1st. Despite their pressure, Sutton Valence were unable to convert this into an early goal. While pushing for that elusive second goal, Sutton Valence conceded another taking Holcombe's advantage to 3 goals. Not a team for giving up, Sutton Valence continued to push Holcombe hard, and the pressure
resulted in another goal for Duncan Wills, despite umpire Cockayne claiming it was an own goal by the keeper. At 4-2 and 10 minutes to go, Sutton Valence committed more men forward, but conceded a 5th and final goal of the game. The result didn't quite feel like it reflected how Sutton Valence had played, with the main differences between the two teams being how Holcombe were able to break with numbers and score on the counter attack.
Next week SV look to take revenge against the Holcombe Hawks, who travel to Sutton Valence, with only 3 games remaining in the season.

Goals: Duncan Wills x2

Report By: Mark Whitmill

Team:
Alex Hodges
Alex Stanford
Andrew Homsey
Andrew Lee
Ben Tragett
Brett Angel
Chris Sheldon
Harrison Sharpe
Steve Parker
Mark Whitmill
Russel Blanchard
Duncan Wills

Next Match: Holcombe Hawks (H) 15:15