Sutton Valence travelled to Burnt Ash with only goal difference separating the two team in the league. Losing the toss, SV had to deal with the lowering sun in their eyes for the first 10 minutes while it set in the evening sky.
During that 10 minutes SV found themselves under early pressure and went on to concede a soft goal, where the defence had several opportunities to clear the ball from the D, but failed to do so.
5 Minutes later SV conceded a second goal and wondering how they were 2-0 down, as Burnt Ash weren’t even playing that well, SV were just playing that badly.

As the half progressed SV steadied the ship and shored up their defence, which gave a better platform to move forward and attack Burnt Ash. Winning some short corners, it felt like the tide had turned, SV just needed to turn that into goals. Unable to score before the end of the half, the team talk revolved around getting back to basics, but more importantly to increase the intensity, as they were lethargic at times during the first 35 minutes.

SV started the second half at a much higher tempo than the first and the early pressure was rewarded with some short corners. Although not scoring from them, it certainly gave SV the edge in the game and a lot more control of the ball. The pressure continued and SV scored their first goal from open play, with Tom Wilson making a darting run into the box and slipping the ball to Andy Barr who was to the left side of the goal. With the angle of the goal closed down by the keeper, he some how managed to squeeze the ball on the inside of the left post.
SV’s second goal came a few minutes later courtesy of a short corner, where Ben Tragett set up Chris Sheldon to level the score at 2-2.

With 15 minutes left in the half, SV pushed harder trying to find that winning goal, but were denied by the Burnt Ash goal keeper on numerous occasions. It wasn’t all one way traffic and SV’s keeper Finlay Wishart was called into action a number of times, making numerous saves.

The game ended 2-2 with goal difference still being the only thing to separate the two teams in the league. Man of the match goes to Steve Parker for his excellent defensive work and last ditched tackles.