Both teams started the game with high spirits, but the weather was not so nice, with the rain lashing it down upon them. Valence started hitting Ashford with many assaults on their goal, but against the run of play they managed to concede a goal. This was scored by letting the ball be passed around the defence’s right-hand side to make a 4 on 2 with the keeper. Spirits slightly crushed, Sutton Valence continued wearing away at Ashford’s lead and eventually Ashford crumbled under the pressure, James Wilmott scoring from a crisp rebound from a short corner, ending the half 1-1.
The second half carried on with Valence not easing up on the pressure. With fast accurate passing and good movement from both sides Alex Hodges put Valence ahead. He ran in from the halfway line cutting in through Ashford’s defensive line and hitting home.
Tom Willson followed up Valence’s third goal using sly Indian dribbling and at pace! But then Ashford clawed back a second goal against the run of play. Running down the right wing and scoring at an acutely tight angle Ashford gained new hope. In the last 5minutes of the game James Wilmott hit a cracking hard ball into the Ashford D. The ball that he shelled in was skilfully moved around the Ashford keeper by Chris Sheldon to tee up Andy Barr, who touched in from a large 40cm from the goal line.
Despite the weather the game was very enjoyable with both umpires controlling the match well. Another good win for Sutton Valence, who Fixtures Live show as the in-form team in the League.

MoM: Seb O’Leary
Goals: James Willmott, Alex Hodges, Tom Willson, Andy Barr

Team: Mark Whitmill, Alex Hodges, Steve Parker, Ben Tragett, Andy Barr, Chris Sheldon, James Willmott, Seb O’Leary, John Edmed, Stewart Young, Tom Willson, Simon WIllson & Pete Rogers.
Umpire: Iain SImmons

Match Report by John Edmed.

Next week the 2nd Xl are away against Old Williamsonians 3rd Xl who are currently one place, but only 2 points, behind in seventh position.