Sutton Valence 3XI travelled to local rivals Maidstone HC expecting a hard match against an experienced team that had beaten them 2-0 in the home fixture in December.

A delayed start due to a serious head injury in the previous match saw Maidstone come out of the blocks at a more intense pace than Sutton Valence, who were caught napping in the second minute of the game. Maidstone secured the first (relatively soft) goal, which was down to poor communication and defending on Sutton Valence’s part.

Sutton Valence took some time to warm up, with passes going astray, loosing 50/50 balls and missing the simplest of tackles. Sutton Valence needed a boost. What better to do that than a goal? Tom Willson played a pacey ball into Rob Cockayne, who squared the ball across the Maidstone D to an unmarked Julian Mills, who thumped it into the backboard to bring the game level.

Against the run of play, Sutton Valence then took the lead. In a melee within the Maidstone D, Rob Cockayne collected the ball, changed direction and took a half-volley shot into the far corner of the goal.

The second half was hard contested by both sides. Sutton Valence were making many strong attacks leading to a number of short corners (one of which was saved on the goal line, and two of which Charlie Tucker…..missed). The tables may have turned but Maidstone continued to battle. In a rare occurrence, Sutton Valence’s fitness (yes, fitness) and pace were too much for the home team.

The game was wrapped up following another pacey ball played in to Rob Cockayne at the top of the D, who dodged through two players to take a reverse hit through the keeper’s legs.

Maidstone thought they had a last minute consolation goal, but it was ruled out due to hitting a Maidstone foot.

3-1 win for Sutton Valence in a well-mannered and competitive game in the sun.

Goals: Julian Mills; Rob Cockayne (2).

Team: Ross Mackay; John Edmed; Darren Thompson; Mike Nettle; Julian Mills; Rob Cockayne; David Turner; Paul Linaker; Andy Bye; Bob Sagrott; Tom Willson; Charlie Tucker.
Umpires: Provided by Maidstone Hockey Club.

Match report by Rob Cockayne.

Next week the 3rd Xl’s penultimate game of the season is at home at 11:15 against Marden Russets 8th Xl.