Sutton Valence 3s travelled to Gillingham Anchorians in the blazing September sunshine for another pre-season friendly with the added bonus of watching Valence 2s clinch a late winner in the match before.

The 3s opened the game cautiously and took some time to get going. The combination of pre-season rust, a number of players doubling up from the earlier game and an unfamiliar line-up meaning that it took a while to get going and for the passing and movement to start to click.

Anchorians took the lead 1-0 in the first half but Valence felt by no means like they were out of the race and steadily took control of much of the second half with combinations of players starting to link up better and players taking more time on the ball and making better decisions as a result.

The attacking duo of seasoned goalscorer, Rob Cockayne and new striking partner Jack Sheldon (Duncan Wills watch your back) caused the Anchorians' defence problem after problem leading to Sheldon feeding Cockayne not once but twice to take Valence into the lead. Eventually Cockayne returned the favour giving Jack Sheldon the chance to extend the Valence lead to 3-1.

Anchorians managed to pull one back but towards the end of the second half Valence were able to cruise to victory. All of the Valence players grew into the game and became more assured but Jack Sheldon stood out as man of the match not just for his goal and creating both Cockayne's chances but also for his relentless work hassling the Anchorians defenders.

Man of the Match: Jack Sheldon.
Goals: Rob Cockayne (2); Jack Sheldon.

Team: Stewart Young; Nick Hall (Cap't); Mark Whitmill; Louis Robinson; Stuart Edmed; James Abrahams; Duncan Field; Andrew Bye; Tom Bartlett; Jack Sheldon; Rob Cockayne; Brett Angel (albeit only for 10 minutes).
Umpires: Paul Linaker and Anchorians.