Arrived at Folkstone, where the weather was its normal low cloud and windy autumnal chill from the sea. With 12 players and Folkstone providing both umpires, Valence won the toss and let battle commence.
It was pretty immediately aware that Valence were playing against a quality side, who had a good set of juniors at wings and halves, with seasoned players orchestrating the use of the ball in the middle of the park. And Folkstone fielded 15 players for this game.
Very quickly and for the first ten minutes, Valence were under pressure and soon 2 goals down. At this point they collectively started using shorter passes and working around the Folkstone midfield, where the Sheldon combination, Chris and his son Jack, (again Man of the Match) started to work the left-side in attack. Additional team support from Bob Bartlett and Neil Hollingsworth added more attacking support with new member Charlie Tucker showing his legs and appetite for work on the right wing (whilst recalling how to play hockey after several years in retirement). Folkestone’s pressure did not ease however with two more goals before the break, but the Sheldon duo finally got a result when Chris scored with four minutes of the half left.
Whilst Valence felt that they were playing good hockey, Folkstone were just ruthless when in the D, as well as riding their luck.
Half time 4-1
In the second half Valence were playing ‘downhill’ and had more of the ball and made several chances to score. But with both Bob Bartlett and Neil Hollingsworth injured they had a rotation of an injured player and with Folkstone working well on their breakaways, that cost them another goal.
In the end, the better side won but Valence had chances which, if taken, could have produced a better score line against a side that had come down into this League. 3rds now march onwards with confidence and knowing they can play better.

Man of the Match: Jack Sheldon.

Goal: Chris Sheldon.

Team: Mark Whitmill, Nick Hall, James Wilmott, Andrew Wishart, Bob Bartlett, Duncan Field, Jack Sheldon, James Abrahams, Neil Hollingsworth, Charlie Tucker, Chris Sheldon, Scott Montgomery, John Edmed.
Umpires provided by Folkestone.

Next week the 3rd Xl are at home (Holcombe Park) against Ashford Crusaders.

Match report by Andrew Wishart.