Hard fight back by 3rd XI

Holcombe Heroes travelled to hosts Sutton Valence 3rd XI for an evenly contested match at Sutton Valence Senior School.

The game started with Holcombe looking well drilled, making effective pass and move passages of play, but unable to penetrate the experienced Sutton Valence defence. Eventually, after a string of attacking moves that were consistently repelled by Sutton Valence, Holcombe secured the first goal through a defending error.

Holcombe soon extended their lead to two, again through a defensive mistake by Sutton Valence. Sutton Valence had their chances to pull back a goal or two, but were struggling to find the final touch in front of goal.

Start of the second half and Sutton Valence’s midfield continued to battle, with Brett Angel, Bob Bartlett and Alex Stanford starting to find their groove, creating chances for the attackers, all of which were saved by a strong Holcombe goalkeeper. As a result of a counterattack effected by the midfield, Rob Cockayne managed to pull one back with an awkward bouncing flick on goal, which the keeper was unable to judge.

Moments later Sutton Valence were unlucky not to pull back a second, with a great strike from Brett Angel deflected into the goal by Rob Cockayne, but alas it was off his shin pad rather than stick (although, he probably could have gotten away with it if he hadn’t owned up #CaptainsLeadByExample).

Holcombe extended their lead to three, with a fine run and finish from one of their younger players.

A second opportunity to equalise soon arose as a shot from Duncan Wills was blocked by a body from going in. A good penalty flick followed by Wills, but an even better save stopped it from going in.

Sutton Valence soon found their second goal, as debutant Rod Harcourt, make a lovely turn and strike in the D, smashing the ball into the bottom corner.

Sutton Valence were now looking dangerous, and likely to find a last-minute equaliser, but ran out of time. Five more minutes and a draw was likely to have been on the cards.

2-3 final result.

A special mention must go to goalkeeper Lee Croucher, who made an unprecedented number of high quality saves, including some crunching, but legal, player take outs.

Goals: Rob Cockayne; Rod Harcourt.

Team: Rob Cockayne; Alex Stanford; Mike Nettle; Bob Bartlett; Charlie Worsfold; Duncan Wills; Bob Sagrott; David Turner; Rod Harcourt; Lee Croucher (G); Andy Bye; Brett Angel.
Umpires: Mark Whitmill; Nick Willson.

Match report by Rob Cockayne.

Next week the 3rd Xl are away against Sevenoaks 9th Xl on the Hollybush Lane Astro at 13:00.