Sutton Valence 3’s out-perform in pre-season friendly

At long last the start of the 2023/2024 season is upon us, with a sole pre-season friendly arranged for newly promoted Sutton Valence 3rd XI against Burnt Ash 7’s.

Sutton Valence lined up for the match in a new formation, ditching the standard Mike Bassett 4-4-2 approach in favour of an attacking 4-3-3 which included wing backs, wing forwards and attacking central midfields, inspired by new captain Rob Cockayne’s countless wasted hours spent playing FIFA 23.

The focus of the pre-match team talk was possession, reducing the amount of running the players would have to do in the blistering Kent heat. From the off, Sutton Valence looked deadly, retaining exclusive possession of the ball and making diagonal pass and move plays through the Burnt Ash lines. Within minutes the Burnt Ash goal had been rattled with Chris Sheldon smashing the ball for Cockayne to deflect, unfortunately onto the post.

It was not long however until the deadlock was broken. Another injection from Sheldon for Cockayne to run onto and dink underarm across the goal, past the keeper.

What followed was a flurry of goals, the reported order of which is questionable:
- Chris Sheldon: A cracking strike from the top of the D.
- Chris Sheldon: A second trademark strike from the top of the D.
- Alex Hodges: Baseline pass from Cockayne, past the keeper for an unmarked back-post finish.
- Alex Hodges: Identical to his first goal.
- Ed Hawes-Gatt (our new signee from Burnt Ash, *awkward*): Some nice skills in the D, round defenders to slip the ball into the bottom corner.
- Ed Hawes-Gatt: Unmarked back-post finish

7-0 at half time.

The second half saw Sutton Valence keep the pressure on Burnt Ash, with relentless waves of attack, a number of which were keenly orchestrated from the back by new signee ‘Former Marden Tom’ (sometimes also known as Tom Ireland), who had pushed up to a CDM role, which when combined with the two CMs and CAM, simply overwhelmed the Burnt Ash midfield. Sutton Valence were utilising their fitness and pace (never thought I would type that) to good effect, resulting in a number of goals, again the order of which is unclear:

- Charlie Tucker: Baseline pass from Cockayne, past the keeper for an unmarked back-post finish. His first goal for the team!
- Chris Sheldon: Tucked in from close range.
- Chris Sheldon: Struck from the middle of the D into bottom corner.
- Rob Cockayne: Superb strong pass from Hawes-Gatt for a reverse stick deflection.
- Rob Cockayne: Some strange acrobatic diving sweep past the keeper.
- Rob Cockayne: Passed across the D by Hodges for an unmarked finish.

13-0 win for Sutton Valence on the final whistle. The whole team gelled well, and everyone put in a cracking performance despite the searing heat and a number rocking off-season Dad bods.

Credit must go to Burnt Ash, as the score line was not necessarily a reflection of their performance. They did not give up and continuing to work hard, including a number of Sutton Valence attacks being broken down by fine picks of the ball off the attackers.

Teamsheet:
Ross Mackay (G)
David Turner
Nick Hall
Adrian Gander
Tom Ireland
Alex Hodges
Ed Hawes-Gatt
Chris Sheldon
Alastair Robinson
Charlie Tucker
Rob Cockayne (C)
Paul Linaker
Chris Leggat

Goals:
Chris Sheldon: 4
Rob Cockayne: 4
Alex Hodges: 2
Ed Hawes-Gatt: 2
Charlie Tucker: 1