There was much excitement and anticipation about the 2s game on this particular Saturday, as it was the first game of the season that the team had played a home game, at home home! So, it was also a bit concerning, as when we arrived the gate was still locked shut, but it was only a small delay getting into the pitch due to the keyholder being slightly late. The pitch was a welcome sight, as there is nothing like a home game atmosphere to give everyone a boost of positivity, especially as we had lost the attendance of the Team Captain the night before, so getting things sorted quickly, was the order of the day.
The game started on time, if not just a few minutes late, but SV having won the toss selected the masterful decision to take the pushback, rather than select the end, especially on a rather warm, but overcast day. Valence took a rather relaxed approach to the game, it was obviously far too early in the day to be playing hockey, having not played at such an early hour previously, they decided to take the gaming style of a premiership football team, and await the opposition advances until just in range and then move the ball, however, Folkestone were aware of this and swiftly intercepted early, then retaining the ball for the first 10 minutes of the game. Valence had obviously not had their morning coffee, and found themselves on the receiving end of two very well-orchestrated goals after the first 15 minutes.
Finally, Valence found some gusto, and started to wake up, however, as the ball went back and forth to either end of the pitch, neither team could change the first half result, leaving the home team 2-0 down at half time. The half time talk was short and sweet, there were some minor structure changes which shifted the concentration of players to mid field, and less defensive support, as being 2-0 down, the play needed to be more aggressive.
The second half started with Sutton Valence taking it straight to Folkestone, there was obviously something in their water, as they started the second half in a completely different mood, after some good movement on and off the ball, it culminated into a run from just outside the D from Tom Willson to the baseline, a swift pass to the waiting attacker, and Chris Sheldon finding the back board. SV 2-1.
Having seen how to penetrate the Folkestone defence, Valence found themselves in a very similar situation within short succession of the first goal, and another driving run into the D from Chris Stille, luring the defence and goalie over, he placed a perfect weighted pass into D, where waiting, with little to do to finish off, was Chris Sheldon again, finding the back board, SV 2-2.
Folkestone and Valence then battled back and forth, with various short corner opportunities passing and shots on goal from open play being saved by both goalies, and nothing really to break the run of play, and settled into being a well-balanced battle. But finally, there was light at the end of the tunnel, as from just outside the 25 James Wilmott wound up and rattled a missile into the D, where Chris Stille, the last man standing, managed to get a nick on the ball as it passed everyone, only being stopped by the awaiting back board. SV 3-2!
The Valence defence continued to parry the responding Folkestone attacks, digging in and holding firm, until the final whistle. SV 3 -2 Folkestone.

MoM :- Finlay Wishart

Goals: Chris Sheldon (2); Chris Stille

Team :- Finlay Wishart, Alex Hodges, James Wilmott, Louis Robinson, Ben Tragett, Andy Barr, Tom Willson, Pete Rogers, Scott Clifton, Chris Stille, Chris Sheldon, Jack Sheldon, Rob Cockayne
Umpire: Iain Simmons

The 2nd Xl are home to Sevenoaks 6th Xl at the Prep School next Saturday.

Match report by Chris Sheldon.