Valence continued their 2020 roadshow with a trip to Tonbridge to face Sevenoaks with a bare 11. Before the game Valence were unsure what they would be up against on the back of Sevenoaks’ 5-0 win against title contenders Old Bordenians, but given the strength of their side and the previous performances, they were confident of a positive result.
Valence started the game in the best way possible, racing into the Sevenoaks D and winning a short corner. Rob Cockayne fluffed his strike from the top but his forward partner, Chris Jackson, managed to poke the ball past the Sevenoaks’ keeper to open the scoring. Valence continued to pressure the Sevenoaks defence, and Cockayne quickly redeemed himself with an excellent reverse stick finish. After this moment of brilliance Cockayne returned to his usual form, calling loudly to claim a pass into the D only to pull off a massive air shot and let the ball roll into his feet. Normal service resumed.
Duncan Field had an excellent first half attacking down the right-hand side and added another, cutting in from the right to drive towards the D, striking the ball cleanly into the bottom corner, to make the score 3-0 within 15 minutes. As is normal, with a greedy centre forward, the obligatory ‘I got a touch’ could be heard all round the pitch from Cockayne, but he was clearly nowhere near the ball!
For the last 10-15 minutes of the first half, Sevenoaks came back at Valence with a string of attacks, but despite barely getting the ball or out of their 22, the Valence defensive line held brilliantly, aided admirably by goal keeper, Ryan Robinson, spot on calling and clearing everything that came close to him. Eventually Valence got hold of the ball, and released the pressure, before the half time whistle was blown.
Sevenoaks started the second half well, but very quickly Valence got on top of them, and continued to attack, moving the ball around well and creating spaces. Eventually the pressure told, and Cockayne and Jackson both netted a second each to put the score out of the reach of a good Sevenoaks side. To finish the match off, and to celebrate his return to the side, Rueben Collingwood added a 6th.
In fairness to Sevenoaks, they played better than a 6-0 score-line would suggest, but thanks to an all-round excellent performance and ruthless streak from Valence, they never had a chance.
Valence look to continue their excellent run of form in their first home game of 2020 against Old Williamsonians next week to cement their top spot in the League, hoping of course that Old Willies don’t bring their Chairman to umpire the match, as the last match between the two sides degenerated into a farce thanks to his intervention.

Goals: Cockayne (2), Jackson (2), Field, Collingwood

Team: Ryan Robinson (GK), Nick Hall, Phil Morris, James Abrahams, Scott Montgomery, Duncan Field, Darren Thompson, Louis Robinson, Rueben Collingwood, Chris Jackson, Rob Cockayne
Umpires: Thanks to Sevenoaks for providing both and for umpiring well without any incident

Next week the 3rd Xl are at home to Old Williamsonians.

Match Report by James Abrahams.