Sutton Valence 2nd XI travelled only a few miles down the road to take on top of the table Maidstone. Starting with a bare 11 Valence were under pressure straight away as Maidstone camped in their half for the first 10 minutes and the early pressure resulted in them conceding a weak first goal. The goal kick-started Valence into action and within 10 minutes not only were they playing better, but they drew level through a tap in goal from James Willmott. With the game now being played in the middle of the pitch Valence looked far more composed on the ball. The running-late Valence substitutes finally arrived to allow them to keep everyone fresh. With 5 minutes until half time Maidstone scored again, this time from a short corner that was very nearly tipped round the outside of the post by Valence keeper Finlay Wishart. They went into half time 1 down, but still very much in the game.
The second half started with Valence taking a higher share of the possession early on, but unable to convert their chances. Against the run of play Maidstone won another short corner and put themselves 3-1 up, but there was still 20 minutes still left to play. Knowing it was now or never Valence threw more bodies forward which resulted in Tom Willson scoring with one of the slowest balls to cross the line this season (Defenders tried to stop the snails’-pace flick, but the bounce defied them and the keeper). With still 10 minutes left in the game Sutton Valence were looking for the equaliser. There were chances, but they were unable to convert any into goals and with play stretched, Maidstone broke in the last 30 seconds with a 2 on 1. Steve Parke,r who was Valence’s man of the match, pulled off another stunning tackle just before Maidstone were able to score. The final whistle ended the game.
The game finished 3-2, which sums up the first part of the season for Valence, who have narrowly lost a number of games tight games.

MoM: Steve Parker
Goals: James Willmott, Tom Willson

Team: Finlay Wishart, Mark Whitmill, Alex Hodges, Steve Parker, Seb O’Leary, Ben Tragett, Richard Turnill, Andy Barr, Chris Sheldon, Tom Willson, Alex Sandburg, Scott Montgomery, James Willmott
Umpire: Ryan Robinson

Match Report by Mark Whitmill.

The 2nd Xl are at home against Herne Bay next weekend, in their final League game of 2019.