Sutton Valence’s 2nd Xl had their first home game of the season, but due to COVID restrictions they played on a pitch at Holcombe Park and against Holcombe’s 6th XI. Being the home team Valence played in their red home strip, with Holcombe playing in their away black strip.
Sutton Valence started the game in a positive manner, taking much of the possession and probed the Holcombe defence in the first 10 minutes, but they were unable to take the lead. They knew they had to be careful to not over-commit players, as Holcombe looked quick on the break, but Valence keeper Ryan Robinson put in some hard-sliding tackles / saves early on, so the Holcombe attackers knew he meant business in goal. Valence finally broke the deadlock through Kevin Kirkham who took on a couple of defenders and slid a shot past the Holcombe keeper. This was followed up by a second goal from Chris Stille. As halftime approached Valence were looking to go into half time with a clean sheet, but Holcombe scored just before the break, halving their lead.
Feeling they were the better team, Valence knew if they continued to play in the same manner for the second half, their first league win of the 2020/21 season would be on the cards. Holcombe started the half the quicker of the two teams, but Valence comfortably absorbed the early pressure and settled back into dominating possession for the majority of the half. Over the course of the next 20 minutes they went on to score 4 unanswered goals, starting with Chris Stille deflecting a wide shot into the net, Kevin Kirkham scored a breakaway goal and another from open play, and Tom Willson joined the party scoring his second goal in two games. The half could have been much closer had it not been for Valence’s goalkeeper making key saves on 4 or 5 occasions. With the game in the bag, Sutton Valence took their foot off the accelerator a little too much and Holcombe scored a consolation, but well deserved second goal. The final result was 6-2 to Sutton Valence, but could have been much closer had it not been for Ryan Robinson in goal, and the team unanimously voted him as man of the match over a post-game cup of tea and bacon sandwich.

MoM: Ryan Robinson

Goals : Kevin Kirkham (3); Chris Stille (2); Tom Willson

Team: Mark Whitmill, Louis Robinson, Ryan Robinson, Andy Barr, Chris Sheldon, Chris Stille, Alex Hodges, Kevin Kirkham, James Willmott, Ben Tragett, Steve Parker, Russell Blanchard & Tom Willson.
Umpire: Iain Simmons

Next week Sutton Valence 2nd XI return to their temporary home pitch at Holcombe Park for a late push back game against Ashford 4th Xl.

Match report by Mark Whitmill.