Sutton Valence travelled to joint top of the table Blackheath 24 hours ahead of Storm Ciara with the sun blazing down and no wind in the air, it was a perfect day for hockey and literally the calm before the storm!
Blackheath started the game at a high intensity, but despite the early pressure Sutton Valence weathered the Blackheath storm and looked assured on the ball when in possession. At the 10 minute mark Valence found an opening in the Blackheath defence, thanks to a well worked team action, with Chris Sheldon striking the final blow in the move to put Valence 1 nil up.
With both teams having chances during the rest of the half, it was Sutton Valence keeper, Finlay Wishart, who was the busier of the two goalies, keeping the Valence lead intact going into half time. With the game on a knife edge Valence knew if they could play at the same level as the first half, the game would be theirs, but acutely aware that Blackheath countered very quickly.
The second half started at the same intensity and after 10 minutes Blackheath drew level after a defensive error from Valence. The half continued with both teams creating chances but again the Sutton Valence keeper was the busier of the two, making vital saves when called upon. As the game entered the final 10 minute phase Valence successfully defended numerous short corners. During one of the clearances the ball looked to be rolling out on the side line, but the ever-tenacious Chris Stille managed to stop it and found Chris Sheldon up the right wing. Chris dribbled the ball towards the Blackheath D and found Tom Willson who, with some stick wizardry, slotted the ball past the keeper to put Valence back on top, with the goal ranking as candidate for ‘goal of the season’.
5 minutes later the final whistle blew and Valence had won. The victory was hard fought but well deserved, and felt even sweeter as earlier in the season Valence have lost numerous games by a late goal….. finally it was their turn to win with a late goal!.
Man of the match is rightfully awarded to Finlay Wishart the goal keeper, not just for the saves he made, but for his overall game awareness and positioning during the full 70 minutes.

MoM: Finlay Wishart
Goals: Chris Sheldon; Tom Willson

Team: Finlay Wishart, Mark Whitmill, Alex Hodges, Steve Parker, Ben Tragett, Andy Barr, Chris Sheldon, Tom Willson, Scott Montgomery, Bob Bartlett, Brett Angel, Chris Stille & Johnny Walker
Umpire: Iain Simmons

Match Report by Mark Whitmill.

Sutton Valence 2nd Xl host Gore Court at home next weekend, where they look to continue the winning momentum they appear to have found.