Sutton Valence third team played an afternoon away game against Ashford sixth team. With 11 men and no substitutions, Valence knew it was going to be a tough game, but were pleased to see a return of Lee Croucher in goal.
Ashford were quick off the mark from push back. Their young players were skilled at taking the ball round the midfielders, but Valence’s defenders did a great job at intercepting and clearing the ball.
A few opportunities were created in Ashford’s 23 thanks to the good passing of Valence’s left and right halves, but several penalty corners were wasted by poor insertions. Unfortunately the few opportunities on goal were well defended by the young Ashford keeper.
Twenty minutes in Ashford managed to score a goal leaving the score 1-0 at the end of the first half.
Shortly into the second half Ashford bagged a second goal. At this point Valence were running out of steam, and a comeback seemed very far away. However, with little more than five minutes to go a scramble for the ball in Ashford’s D created an opportunity, and a goal was scored by Valence player Henry Humphrey, making the score 2-1 to Ashford.
Then, with less than five minutes on the clock, a side line ball in line with Ashford’s 16 was passed by Paul Linaker to Charlie Tucker, who chipped it over the opposition’s stick to Bob Bartlett who scored off the volley making the score an even 2-2 at the final whistle.
A good game played by both teams.

Goals: Henry Humphrey; Bob Bartlett.

Team: Lee Croucher; Charlie Tucker; Andy Bye; Andy McVarish; Bob Sagrott; Mike Nettle; Bob Bartlett; Henry Humphrey; Julian Mills; Paul Linaker; David Turner.
Umpires: Provided by Ashford.

Match report provided by Charlie Tucker.

Next week the 3rd Xl are at home at 11:15 against second in the League Herne Bay 6th Xl.