Sutton Valence 2nd XI’s first away game of the season saw them travel to Sevenoaks in conditions that were less than ideal for hockey. The heavens opened well before SV arrived in Sevenoaks and continued throughout the game. The wet pitch and constant rain meant play was slow on both sides, as each team tried to get used to the difficult conditions. Passing wasn’t quite as slick as either team would have hoped for, but Valence narrowly edged the first half possession and passing stats, but were unable to take advantage. Neither team was able to score in the half and it felt like the sort of game where 1 goal, or a mistake, would win the game.
The second half began much like the first, but it was Sevenoaks who took the lead after SV were unable to successfully clear the ball from an initial save from their keeper Louis Robinson. They had no need to panic, as there was plenty of time still left in the game, and it didn’t take long for them to draw level thanks to George Gaston converting a short corner. As the half continued, so did the rain, and holes started to appear on both sides.
With 5 minutes left on the clock SV conceded a controversial goal. They felt the initial ball that led to the goal was high and dangerous and instead of making the situation more dangerous by hitting the ball away in mid-air, the defenders let the ball drop to a Sevenoaks player who easily found the back of the net. The umpires came together to discuss the situation, and both agreed they didn’t see it the same way as SV’s defenders and the goal stood. With only a few minutes left on the clock SV had some urgency to try and get something from the game. Just before the final whistle blew they won another short corner, so the whole team surrounded the D. The first short corner was saved, but also caught a foot on the way out of the D, so it was reset. At the second time of asking the ball was injected to Chris Sheldon who passed it sideways to George Gaston, who smashed it in the bottom right corner of the goal to level the game 2-2.
The final whistle was blown with both teams taking a point from the fixture, which was a fair result in very difficult playing conditions. Man of the match was awarded to young Jack Sheldon for his high work rate both in attack and defence.
Goals: George Gaston (2)
MoM: Jack Sheldon
Team: Louis Robinson, Rob Bray, Steve Parker, Mark Whitmill (C), Ben Tragett, Chris Sheldon, Chris Stille, Tom Bartlett, George Gaston, Andy Barr & Jack Sheldon.
Umpires: Sevenoaks provided both.

Match report by Mark Whitmill.

Next week Sutton Valence 2nd XI are back at home to Knole Park at 09.45.