Sutton Valence’s first game of the season was away to Burnt Ash on a week where the weather turned from being in the mid 20˚C to single digit in the space of a few days. Valence travelled with a bare 11, but began the game by keeping possession early on. Possession unfortunately didn’t translate into goals, and after 15 minutes Burnt Ash converted a short corner chance against the run of play to take an unexpected lead.
Looking for a quick equaliser Valence pushed on, but were caught out again, this time from open play with a ball hit from outside the D, which evaded the 10 men in the D apart from the last Burnt Ash man, who got a slight touch to give them a 2-0 advantage at half time.
Sutton Valence were scratching their heads wondering how they had conceded two soft goals, but were unable to score any of their own.
The second half started with Burnt Ash the more lively team, but after Sutton Valence successfully absorbed the early pressure, they once again looked the better team. After 15 minutes Chris Stille clawed a goal back after a pin point pass into the D from James Abrahams. Despite still being very much in the game, Valence were unable to equalise and they lost their opening game, feeling they should have taken all 3 points or at least 1 point as a minimum.

Goal scorer: Chris Stille

MoM: Chris Stille

Team: Mark Whitmill, John Edmed, Stuart Edmed, Louis Robinson, Ryan Robinson, Andy Barr, Chris Sheldon, Chris Stille, Alex Hodges, George Gaston & James Abrahams.
Umpire: Iain Simmons

Match Report by Mark Whitmill.

Next week Sutton Valence 2nd XI look to bounce back at home vs Holcombe 6th Xl.