Sutton Valence 3rd XI made the short drive to local rivals Marden 8th XI in what was always going to be a hard-fought clash – for pride and local bragging rights more than anything else!

It was a bizarrely dark morning, with the floodlights already in full blaze upon arrival which could explain why Julian Mills failed to see Darren Thompson’s awry warm up shot on goal until it smacked him on the top of the head leaving a bloody gash [insert rude joke here] on the top of his head. One player down before the game even begun, and it certainly set the tone for the start of the match.

Marden were by far the more threatening looking team during the initial period of play, working and linking well in what looked like a well drilled team. Sutton Valence did manage to make a number of breaks through the defensive line with notably play from new central midfield duo Alastair Robinson and Stuart Edmed utilising the space and identifying the channels to the strikers. Sutton Valence were unfortunately unable to capitalise however. Rob Cockayne lost a 50/50 challenge with the Marden keeper, only to end up landing badly and breaking his spine.

The first goal came shortly after following a great run down the right-hand side of the pitch by new club member Paul Davey, who hit the by-line, smashed the ball across the goal face to Alastair Robinson who, much to the surprise of the Marden defence, was lurking undetected at the back post like a flasher in a bush, who made a cracking first-time finish.

Half time shortly arrived, which was predominantly comprised of moaning about injuries and decisions, no Mel Gibson-esque team talk this week!

The second half saw Julian Mills take the field, blooded bandage free, but still clearly dazed by Thompson’s poor accuracy in front of goal. Both teams battled hard, and Sutton Valence picked up their game, playing more on par with Marden than in the first half.

It was not long before Stuart Edmed made an identical run to Paul Davey’s first half assist, slipping it to Rob Cockayne on the penalty spot, who swept it into the bottom left hand corner past an outstretched keeper.

Sutton Valence shortly after got a short corner, which following a great injection by Darren Thompson, was walloped into the bottom left corner of the goal by Rob Cockayne.

Cockayne’s hat-trick goal followed soon after, following a good period of build-up play by Sutton Valence, with roaming central defender Andy McVarish injecting the ball with pin-point precision to Cockayne, who battled through a defender for a swipe shot on goal.

Not giving up, Marden pulled back a consolation goal in the last 10 minutes of the game with a short corner scored by one of their younger players, who had a good game controlling the middle of the field, tucked in for an own goal by Darren Thompson (well at least he's going to score once this season!).

4-1 win to Sutton Valence, who also won teas and beers, much to the disappointment of Lindsay Hancox (we’ve got to mention him as we know he reads our match reports...)

Goals: Alastair Robinson; Rob Cockayne (3)

Team: Ross Mackay; Paul Davey; Mike Nettle; Bob Sagrott; Andy McVarish; Julian Mills; Bob Bartlett; Henry Humphrey; Rob Cockayne; Alastair Robinson; Stuart Edmed; Darren Thompson; David Turner; Paul Linaker
Umpires: Provided by Marden.
Next week, in their last game prior to Christmas, the 3rd Xl are at home at 11.15 against Burnt Ash 7th Xl.

Match report by Rob Cockayne.