Sutton Valence 3rd XI were disappointed to eek out a draw this weekend against Holcombe Hurricanes in Rochester.

Sutton Valence started the game positively, making a number of attacking moves, many of which were saved by a young, but very composed, Holcombe keeper. Both teams were evenly matched, however Sutton Valence managed to pull ahead with a nicely struck shot from the top of the D by Andrew Lee, which flew past a number of defenders into the far bottom corner of the goal.

Rod Harcourt soon made it two-nil, with a similar strike from the top of the D, which was shielded from the keeper’s view by several defenders and attackers in his line of sight.

Sutton Valence knew Holcombe were not going to take the result lying down, so secured a three-goal lead in the second half when Rob Cockayne managed to half-volley in a lose ball in the D.

Then, things started to fall apart. Cullen Elson has forced off with a calf injury, and brick-wall central defender Stuart Edmed had to retire to the dugout with a broken nail, which led to some reposition changes/challenges. Holcombe stole back a goal from a short corner, the shot of which was deflected off a defender’s stick, past an already logged keeper.

Holcombe battled and pulled back two further goals late in the game, to bring the result to 3-3.

Good performances all round, but plenty to work on at training prior to next weeks game against Folkestone.

Team: Rob Cockayne ; Ryan Page; William Vanns; Bob Bartlett; Alex Stanford; Stuart Edmed; Cullen Elson; Mike Nettle; Julian Mills; David Turner; Darren Thompson; Rod Harcourt; Andrew Lee.

Goals: Andrew Lee; Rod Harcourt; Rob Cockayne.

Match report by Rob Cockayne.

Next week the 3rds play Folkestone Optimist 6th Xl at home at 09:45.