Valence travelled to Canterbury looking to make the final push to finish the season as champions. Valence started the game strongly, camping in the Canterbury half for the opening minutes of the game. This early pressure paid off when Valence opened the scoring from their second short corner, Cockayne's strike from the top squirming under the keeper and into the goal.
Valence continued to dominate possession but Canterbury always looked threatening on the break, playing long passes to quickly turn defence into attack. One of these long balls would prove their undoing however as a quick free hit was intercepted by James Abrahams who fed the ball to Rob Cockayne who selflessly passed the ball allowing James Wilmott to lift the ball over the onrushing keeper to double the lead.
Canterbury gave Valence a scare early in the second half, pulling one goal back. Valence were quick to restore their lead thanks to Reuben Collingwood but again Canterbury managed to pull one back. This prompted a wave of support from the home side, however their jubilation at the prospect of the comeback was short lived as Reuben Collingwood again restored the two-goal cushion. Valence continued to attack despite the lead and Rob Cockayne rounded off the scoring to end the game 5-2.
Valence put in a good performance all across the pitch. The midfield worked well switching possession from side to side to stretch the Canterbury players and the defence always looked to be in control under pressure. Valence now know a draw next week against 2nd placed Old Bordenians will see Valence crowned as League winners, but the team want to push through to the end of the season and target wins in both remaining games to finish of an excellent season.

Goals: Cockayne (2), Willmott, Collingwood (2)

Team: John Edmed, Phil Morris, Mark Whitmill, Nick hall (c), James Abrahams, Darren Thompson, Chris Jackson, Reuben Collingwood, Duncan Field, Rob Cockayne, James Willmott
Umpires: Canterbury x2

Match Report by James Abrahams.

Next week the 3rd Xl are at home against their immediate rivals, Old Bordenians 5th Xl, who are just 4 points behind them in second slot.