Sutton Valence 3rd XI welcomed Herne Bay 5th XI for the return fixture of a 9-0 win earlier in the season.

Both teams started strong, but were slow to adapt to the bounce of the newly laid Senior School astro. Sutton Valence looked the more dangerous team during the first 20 minutes making a number of attacking move through the middle, utilising the new midfield duo of Charlie Tucker and Andrew Lee to their advantage.

Sutton Valence broke the deadlock with Andrew Lee striking from the edge of the D into the bottom corner of the goal. Not the cleanest strike ever made, but they all count!

Sutton Valence doubled their lead shortly after, with a fine finish from Julian Mills.

The second half was rather uneventful, with Sutton Valence having a few chances on goal that were well saved by the Herne Bay keeper. Unfortunately for Sutton Valence Lee Croucher, there was little action in the Sutton Valence D to report on due to strong defending by Andy McVarish, David Turner and Mike Nettle.

The match ended 2-0 in favour of the home team, and was played in a gentlemanly manner by both sides.
The win means the 3rd Xl leapfrog over Herne Bay from third into second place in the League and with a game in hand.

Goals: Andrew Lee; Julian Mills .

Team: Lee Croucher; Charlie Tucker; Bob Sagrott ; Mike Nettle; Julian Mills; David Turner; Andy McVarish; Henry Humphrey; Paul Linaker; Andy Lee; Rob Cockayne; John Edmed; Charles Worsfold.
Umpires: Iain Simmons; Ali Carter.

Next week the 3rd Xl are at home at 11:15 against Burnt Ash 7th Xl, a match delayed from the first half of the season due to frost.