Sutton Valence 3rd XI vs Gillingham Anchorians

Final score: Sutton Valence 3rd XI 2 – 1 Gillingham Anchorians

Sutton Valence 3rd XI faced off against Anchorians on a bitterly cold winter’s evening, looking to put things right after an entertaining 3–3 draw earlier in the season.

The long Christmas break showed early on, with a few rusty touches and legs still heavy from mince pies rather than match fitness. As the temperature dropped and the pitch began to freeze,Sutton Valence eventually ignited the afterburners and found their rhythm.

Sutton Valence welcomed new recruit James, who immediately demonstrated he was far too good to be joining this particular motley crew. Also returning was the ever-reliable Bear, back from his travels and playing largely against his will, though the promise of a Goachers post-match certainly helped motivation.

The opening exchanges were fairly even, with both sides feeling each other out. When Sutton Valence committed as a unit — either attacking together or defending together — they looked the more dominant outfit. However, lingering festive lethargy meant the team occasionally chose one or the other, rather than both. While the defence held firm, attacking outlets were sometimes limited.

The breakthrough came from a superbly struck short corner, Alex absolutely blasting the ball past the Anchorians keeper to give Sutton Valence a questionably deserved lead.

Anchorians responded with an equaliser soon after — a shot that keeper Ross would be the first to admit he should have saved, though the defence perhaps left him a little exposed.

The decisive moment arrived courtesy of a thunderous strike from none other than Duncan Wills, the OG striker himself, marking his first game back since an ankle injury gruesome enough to feature on any “disgusting injuries” YouTube compilation.

As the stars emerged and the pitch continued to freeze beneath tired feet, Sutton Valence saw out the game with grit and determination to secure a hard-fought — and on balance deserved — victory to kick off the second half of the season.

Sutton Valence now look ahead to next week, hoping for the same result — preferably with about 10 degrees extra in the air temperature.

Goals: Alex Stanford, Duncan Wills
Report By: James Wilmott

Team:
Ross Mackay
Adrian Gander
Olly Sheldon
Stuart Edmed
Duncan Field
Darren Thompson
Alastair Robinson
Alex Sandburg
Alex Stanford
Duncan Wills
James Aldrich
James Wilmott

Next Match: Gravesham (A) 14:45