SV 3 v Sittingbourne 4

An early game at home started with our captain winning the toss and strategically switched ends to beat the low January sun which immediately buggered off behind clouds.

The match started with both teams showing strong play but with Sittingbourne dominating at times. Nevertheless short corners were being created for the home side with the second being slotted home by Alex Stanford.

Shortly thereafter another short was won and executed almost as though Sutton Valence knew what they were doing with a well weighted injection from Darrren Thompson to Alex Stanford who slipped it left to Alistair Robinson who quickly and calmly put the ball away for the home team's second goal.

Sittingbourne then dominated with strong tackles and picking up Sutton Valences passes and scoring 2 goals to leave the match frustratingly level at half time.

Some positive words of encouragement from Dan Brooks at half time (and Darren who was "too mad to speak" so his half time contribution only lasted 10 minutes) helped kick off the second half.

There was lots of positive movement throughout the second half with Seb O'Leary and Stuart Edmed trying to breakthrough Sittingbourne midfield.

A breakthrough came with Duncan Field running down the right, driving the baseline and popping the ball up for Alex Stanford who managed to score just in the nick of time with the umpire gearing up to call a short corner.

The fight continued with Sittingbourne eager to bring it back. They darted down the sideline with Darren Thompson hounding their player only to yelp as his hamstring went but courteously managing to roll himself off the sideline to allow for an impromptu subbing.

The game became frustrated as Alex Stanford was taken out but a stick between his legs sharing a few choice words with the offending member of the opposition which resulted in Mike Stapleton doing what he does best and issuing a yellow card.

Now with 10 men in the last 10 minutes of the game the team hunkered down with excellent all round performances from the defensive lineup supported by midfield to keep the pressure of Sittingbourne at bay.

Final Score 3-2 to Sutton Valence.

Thanks to Slacko and Mike for umpiring. On to Holcombe away next weekend.

Goals
Alex Stanford 2
Alastair Robinson 1

Team:
Ross Mackay
Nick Hall
Olly Sheldon
James Abrahams
Stuart Edmed
Seb O'Leary
Duncan Field
Darren Thompson
Alastair Robinson
Alex Stanford
Mark Whitmill
James Willmot

Next Match: Holcombe (A) 13:00