3rd Xl - A tale of 2 halves....

Kent Open Premier C
Sutton Valence 3rd Xl 0 : 6 Maidstone 3rd Xl

A tale of 2 halves…
Sutton Valence hosted Maidstone in a local derby that normally finishes as a close affair. The pitch was frosty early on, but with the early morning sun shining it soon melted away, which made for perfect playing conditions.
The game started with Sutton Valence taking the early initiative, short sharp passing ensured they retained possession in the early stages. Breaking down the Maidstone midfield there were a few early opportunities, but nothing that troubled Maidstone too much. As the half progressed both team had chances, with Maidstone looking the more dangerous in the D, but the score was at a stalemate until the final 5 minutes of the half when Sutton Valence found themselves outnumbered in their D and Maidstone went 1-0 going into half time.
With the game so closely fought Valence felt they were unlucky to go into the break 1 down and, with the possession they enjoyed, felt they should have been at least level.
The second half is normally the stronger half for Sutton Valence, but this week it turned out to be their weaker. The structured part of Valence’s game plan started to fall apart after Maidstone scored a second goal from a short corner, initially saved by the goalkeeper, but Maidstone were quicker to react on the follow up.
Now two down, Sutton Valence were chasing the game, but they couldn’t recreate the threat from the first half to trouble Maidstone. With only one shot on goal in the second half they were unable to create any kind of scoreboard pressure. Maidstone caught Valence on the break time and time again and eventually finished the game 6-0.
With such good early promise and a tight first half, Sutton Valence ended the game disappointed the final score didn’t reflect the hard fought first 35 minutes.

MoM: Ben Grabham

Team: Mark Whitmill, Alex Duckett, Pete Rogers, James Willmott, Ben Grabham, Dave Lewis, Ben Tragett, Freddie Hulbert, Tom Harris, Andy Barr, Geoff Bell, Chris Sheldon & Freddie Hulber
Umpire: I Simmons

Next week Sutton Valence 3rd Xl continue their Kent Open Premier C League season lying 10th with a game in hand, away against Ashford 4th Xl, currently lying in 7th position.