A late knock-back at 4.30 under floodlights saw the away side give a masterful display of defending for virtually the whole game.
The first half saw Sutton Valence venture only once into the opposition goal area, the rest of the time was spent holding back some very young lively Gravesham players who were determined to break down the stubborn but well organised red wall of the Sutton Valence defence, but without success, which resulted in no goals being scored before half time.
The second half continued from where the first had finished. Sutton Valence were only too aware that they had been on the end of a 0-6 drubbing at home against this team in the first game of the season. Ultimately, the pressure that was being placed on the defence allowed Gravesham to score about half-way through the second half.
This did not deter Valence, who carried on defending like demons until they found themselves in the very fortunate position of being awarded their only short corner, from which Bob Bartlett scored a smart goal.
This seemed to knock the Gravesham side back and spurred on Sutton Valence to hold out for a well-earned draw.

Goals: Bob Bartlett

Team: Stewart Young, Andy McVarish, Mike Nettle, Bob Sagrott, Julian Mills, Henry Humphrey, Alastair Robinson, Bob Bartlett, Andy Bye, Roger Fermor, Darren Thompson, Charlie Tucker.
Umpires: Provided by Gravesham & Wellcome.

Match report by Mike Nettle.

Next week the 3rd Xl are at home at 11:15 against Sittingbourne 5th Xl.