Nelsonian fightback to draw.

The match started with a flowing move straight from the push-back by Sutton Valence almost resulting in the deadlock being broken before Sevenoaks had touched the ball. Opportunity gone, the match soon settled into a flowing rhythm which was then punctuated by a mazy Sevenoaks dribble leading to a quick pass to an unmarked striker resulting in the opening goal.

Valence determined to even the score with some quick attacking play and Chris Stille, showing the pace of eternal youth, constantly troubled the Sevenoaks left back as chances began to mount up against a defiant goal-keeper. Again, when they thought they had Sevenoaks on the ropes, the next goal game from another hit across the D by Sevenoaks deflected past the Sutton Valence keeper to double their lead.

True to the Sutton Valence spirit, this setback provided the spur and the rest of the half was dominated by their attackers on the road to reducing the deficit, James Wilmott showing that taking the ball from an opponent can be an art form, some of the time. Just before half-time, after some neat passing play, Chris Sheldon found himself with back to goal, then with a subtle touch, he had evaded his marker and with his second he slipped the ball under the goal-keeper and across the line.

Half time 2-1 down.

From the beginning of the 2nd half, Valence carried on from where they left off, Ben Tragett and Gareth Davies tigerish in their tackles and composed in their passing, continuing to launch wave after wave of attack, with Andy Barr showing skilful touches to glide over tackles and lay off passes. The pressure mounted with a lovely move started on the left by Tom Harris resulting in Dave Lewis producing a delicate lay-off for Pete Rogers to smoothly finish past the goalkeeper for the well-deserved equaliser.

At 2-2 Sevenoaks appeared to wake up and re-organise themselves to come back at Valence, applying pressure that rewarded them with short corner after short corner, some fervently questioned, and yet Mark Whitmill (3rd XI Captain and playing in goal for the first time this season) stood firm, resolutely saving every shot that came near him.
In what had become a gripping game, Sutton Valence broke and won a short corner as the final whistle was blown. As the shot headed goal-bound, it cannoned off a Sevenoaks’ foot and the umpire signalled a P-flick, even though two Valence players were lining up to finish off the rebound. Slight confusion followed over who or how to take the p-flick, with Chris Bailey (centre-back) taking responsibility by picking up the ball. However he rather fluffed his lines, sending the shot straight down the middle towards the goalie's feet, who ably ensured the ball left field of play.

On reflection, a draw was a fair result but to come from 2 goals down, away, once again emphasised the spirit of positivity and drive this team has.

MOM: Mark Whitmill