Having all turned up eager and early, Valence’s early enthusiasm was somewhat dented when the skies proceeded to open. The discussion within the team was “shall we offer them a draw and all go to the pub”, but being the consummate professionals they are, they put a bit of bad weather behind them and focussed on the task at hand.
Valence went into the game with some confidence, given the previous seasons results, the league table, and the mindset that the team is starting to find its feet in the new league.
The game started fairly evenly, with Valence seemingly intent on giving the ball back to ‘Oaks as often as they could. This led to a number of attacks on the Valence goal, but Scott Montgomery, ably supported by his defenders, kept the ball out of the net. At the other end, Valence were gradually keeping possession and building pressure. The first short corner of the game, injected by Darren Thompson, was struck low and hard, but was cleared on the line by ‘Oaks keeper. Continuing in the same positive vein, Duncan Field drove into the ‘Oaks D, skipped over the flailing stick, and chipped a lovely ball over the keeper, for Duncan Wills to volley into the goal. 0-1 Valence. Very soon after, Wills doubled the lead. 0-2.
Valence 3s, this season, love to pile the pressure on themselves and give the opposition a chance, and today was no different. 2 goals, one either side of half time, left the visitors shell-shocked at 2-2.
The rallying cry from John ‘Monkey’ Edmed, reminding the side that “it’s back to 0-0 now lads”, galvanised the side to push forward for the win. Cockayne, more used to dribbling around anyone close to him, opposition, umpires and even his own teammates, and then forgetting what he’s actually supposed to be doing, decided today wasn’t the time for messing about. He rolled back the years, picked up the ball on the right of the D, burst towards the D, with pace that is the envy of Usain Bolt, ran round several defenders before a neat finish gave Valence the lead again. 2-3. Valence weren’t done yet. The defence, were adamant that they weren’t going to let this one slip, and cleared every attack to keep the lead. 12th man, Sheldon, who had been wrapped up warm and safe in the dugout, having rejected every other opportunity to take part, finally joined the parade, and late on finished a good move to close the game out. 2-4.
A good win and a very good performance enjoyed by all. And one of the bonuses of the current situation is that the team get to sample different drinking establishments each week. The White Horse, Sundridge, comes highly recommended.
Next week Valence welcome league leaders, Blackheath, to their humble abode, hoping for a better performance than they had the last time they visited Sutton Valence.
Thanks to Sevenoaks for supplying both umpires.

Goals: Duncan Wills (2), Rob Cockayne, Chris Sheldon

Team: Scott Montgomery, Nick Hall, John Edmed, Adrian Gander, Alex Hodges, Jack Sheldon, Charlie Tucker, Duncan Field, Darren Thompson, Duncan Wills, Rob Cockayne, Chris Sheldon.

Next week the 3rd Xl are at home against Blackheath & Elthamians Dynamos

Match report by Nick Hall.