Sutton Valence 2 1–2 Marden Russets 5
South East Open – Men’s Division 5 Invicta
Saturday 10 October 2026 | 13:30
Half-time: 0–0 | Full-time: 1–2
Man of the Match: Sebastian O’Leary
Sutton Valence 2s were left to rue a catalogue of missed chances as Marden Russets 5s escaped with all three points from a fiercely contested encounter at Sutton Valence.
The first half was an entertaining, open affair, with both sides looking to press home the advantage whenever possession changed hands. Chances came at both ends and, on another afternoon, the opening 35 minutes could easily have produced a handful of goals. Instead, a combination of good defending and profligate finishing ensured the teams somehow went into the interval locked at 0–0.
At the heart of the Sutton Valence defence, Steve Parker produced yet another masterclass in the increasingly lost art of the long-barrier trap. Marden’s youthful forwards tried repeatedly to find a route around him, but Parker proved an immovable obstacle throughout the afternoon.
The second half took on a rather different complexion. The openness of the first period disappeared and what had initially threatened to become a goal spree suddenly felt like the sort of contest in which one goal might be enough to settle matters.
Sutton Valence continued to enjoy their opportunities, particularly from set pieces. The hosts would ultimately rack up seven short corners to Marden’s two, but frustratingly failed to convert any of them — a statistic that would prove increasingly painful as the afternoon wore on.
Marden finally broke the deadlock on 55 minutes, striking while the game remained finely balanced.
Sutton Valence’s response, however, was immediate.
Just two minutes later, the hosts were level. An excellent ball into the circle was met by Henry Powell, whose superb deflection gave the Marden keeper no chance and restored parity at 1–1.
With momentum seemingly back on Sutton Valence’s side, the game was there for the taking.
In midfield, Seb O’Leary took increasing control of proceedings and earned Man of the Match honours for the second week running. His influence became all the more important when ageing midfield maestro Brett Angel was forced to leave the field early in the second half with a severe case of pins and needles — an injury unlikely to trouble the medical journals but sufficiently debilitating to curtail his afternoon.
Despite Valence pushing for the winner, it was Marden who delivered the decisive blow. On 64 minutes, with the hosts committed forward, the visitors broke away and found the finish to make it 2–1.
Sutton Valence continued to press but could not find another response. The final whistle confirmed a frustrating defeat on an afternoon when the hosts had created more than enough opportunities to take something from the game.
Ultimately, seven short corners without a goal told much of the story. Sutton Valence will feel this was one that got away: plenty of chances, an excellent defensive performance led by Parker, another commanding midfield display from O’Leary and a fine finish from Powell — but not quite the cutting edge required.
Marden, meanwhile, made their opportunities count and headed home with all three points.
Full-time: Sutton Valence 2 1–2 Marden Russets 5

Report By: Brett Angel

Goal: Henry Powell

Team: Stewart Young (GK); Russell Blanchard (c), Mark Whitmill, Steven Parker, Brett Angel, Tom Willson, Ben Tragett, Sebastian O’Leary, Alexander Hodges, Chris Stille, Henry Powell, Will Vanns.

Next Match: Kings Hill (A) 12:00pb