Sutton Valence 3rds were fielding a depleted team and knew that their return match against Marden would be difficult. The visitors put Valence under pressure from the start and went one up with a simple goal after only ten minutes.
Things then settled down with the Valence defence starting to get to grips with Marden’s fast young forward line, which always looked threatening. Few opportunities presented themselves at the other end although several short corners were won by Valence but achieved nothing. Just as the home side looked to be limiting the deficit to a single goal at half time, Marden created a rapid attack and found the net with seconds to spare, putting them two up at the break.
The second half started with Valence showing more determination and intent, but Marden still looked the better organised team. They also had the quicker forwards and in a purple patch they scored 3 goals within a few short minutes to put the game out of sight for Valence. All three came on the break with the home defence unable to get back in time to protect their keeper. However, in the last third of the game, Valence started to play some more constructive hockey which put Marden under considerable pressure, but despite having many opportunities, their only reward was a single consolation goal from Roger Fermor late in the game, which left the final score as a 1-5 loss. On a territorial basis Valence had the better of the second half, but a solid Marden defence and poor finishing by the home side meant scant reward.

Goal: Roger Fermor

Team: Ross Mackay, Andy McVarish, Mike Nettle, Paul Linaker, Julian Mills, Jack Sheldon, Olly Sheldon, David Turner, John Edmed, Stuart Edmed, Darren Thompson, Andy Bye, Roger Fermor.
Umpires: Nick Willson, Chris Sheldon.

Match report by Mike Nettle / Nick Willson

Next week the 3rd Xl are away for their last game of the season against Burnt Ash 7th Xl at 12:00.