3rd XI come from behind to win

In a rare turn of events, probably never to be repeated, Sutton Valence 3rd XI fielded a team of 16 (sixteen) players for their local derby clash against Maidstone 4th XI.

Both teams started well, with Maidstone looking the slightly more dominant, seemingly always with a spare player in the centre of the field, causing central midfielders Chris Johnson and Bob Bartlett issues. Sutton Valence’s starting defence of Stuart Edmed, Mike Nettle, Rob Harrison and Tom Ireland however, were simply impenetrable......until Maidstone broke through and scored.

Despite a short corner being well saved by the Maidstone keeper, both teams remained in a deadlock situation until half time, aided by saves from keeper Big Dave Turner.

The second half saw Sutton Valence make more adventurous runs and dribbles into the Maidstone half, which was starting to cause the Maidstone defence issues. Eventually Sutton Valence equalised through a well-practised short corner routine. A rapid injection from Chris Johnson was returned to him by receiver Rob Cockayne, for Johnson to flick in past the keeper from a tight angle.

From this point, the game became electric, with both teams upping their performances. Sutton Valence took the lead after striker Charlie Worsfold cunningly distracted the goalkeeper and defence with memoirs of his most recent Headcorn Bowls Club triumph, allowing Rob Cockayne to skill his way through the Maidstone defence, and hit a reverse shot into the bottom corner.

Alas, the lead was lost shortly after with Maidstone equalising against the break of play.

Sutton Valence then took the lead once again following a fantastic ball into the D by returning Nick Worsfold, for Chris Johnson to deflect in past the keeper.

A good and well fought game all round!

Goals: Chris Johnson (2); Rob Cockayne

Team: David Turner; Rob Cockayne; Stuart Edmed; Bob Sagrott; Bob Bartlett; Alex Stanford; Rod Harcourt; Julian Mills; Tom Ireland; Mike Nettle; Rob Harrison; Chris Johnson; Duncan Wills; Paul Linaker; Nick Worsfold; Charlie Worsfold.
Umpires: Andrew McVarish; Nick Willson.

Match Report by Rob Cockayne.

Next week the 3rd Xl are away against Folkestone Optimist 7th Xl at 12:00.