Match Report: Sutton Valence HC 6-1 Holcombe Harriers

The Blanchard Era Continues in Style

The afternoon began somewhat slowly, with Holcombe’s younger legs immediately making themselves known. Sutton Valence were forced to defend resolutely in the opening exchanges, with Stuart making several important saves and the back line throwing themselves into tackles whenever required.

Among those putting in a particularly impressive defensive shift was Zak Blanchard, who was enjoying an excellent opening 20 minutes. Strong tackles, determined running and generally looking like a man who had absolutely no intention of leaving the pitch early.

Sameer suffered the first setback of the afternoon. Having apparently forgotten that he possesses a hamstring, Sameer attempted to use it for approximately five minutes before it promptly reminded him of its existence and forced him from the field. Seb entered the fray and immediately injected some much-needed energy into the Sutton Valence side.

The opening goal soon followed.

Ben Tragett collected the ball and followed to beat one player before firing the ball into the danger area. Harrison then turned and unleashed what can only generously be described as a strike, which somehow scuffed its way into the back of the net.

Beautiful? No.

Effective? Absolutely.

Sutton Valence’s momentum continued to build, until Zak soon shown a red card.

With ten men and no substitutes, SV faced a considerable challenge. Thankfully, a rally cry from their captain ensured the team did not crumble. Holcombe did manage to equalise, but Sutton Valence responded almost immediately through Chris Stile’s brilliance to restore the lead and go into half-time 2-1 ahead.

The half-time team talk, led by Russell, provided the required calmness and ensured Sutton Valence went back out with a clear objective: prove that ten men were, in fact, better than eleven.

And prove it they did.

The second half turned into something of a rout.

Tom and Brett both found the net as Sutton Valence continued to press despite their numerical disadvantage, while Andrew Lee once again demonstrated his remarkable ability to avoid the dreaded jug by scoring a brace for the second consecutive week.

At the other end, Harrison and Trig continued to throw themselves into some enormous tackles, while Brett, Tom, Seb and Stile ran themselves into the ground to maintain Sutton Valence’s intensity despite having no reinforcements available.

Sutton Valence piled on the pressure in the second half and eventually ran out comfortable winners, producing a performance that was equal parts spirited, physical and slightly ridiculous.

Special mention must go to Stuart for his early saves, Seb for stepping into the breach after Sameer’s unfortunate hamstring incident, Harrison, Trig and Russell for their defensive prowess, and the forwards for running approximately the distance of the M25 with no substitutes available.

Overall, a huge fitness test, a spirited thumping and another three points in the bag.

Two games. Two wins. Eleven goals.

Next week brings the big derby, with Sutton Valence heading into it full of confidence after an excellent start to the campaign.

Sutton Valence HC 6-1 Holcombe Harriers

Goals: Harrison, Stile, Tom, Brett, Sonic x2
Man of the Match: Seb

Report By: Zak Blanchard

Team:
Stuart
Zak
Trig
Russ
Sameer
Trag
Tom
Brett
Sonic
Harrison
Stile
Seb

Next Match: Marden (H) 13:30 pb