Sutton Valence welcomed Holcombe Harriers for the opening league game of the season. Sutton Valence started the game strongly, dominating possession and pushing Holcombe back deep into their own half. Valence created a number of chances, but the Holcombe keeper made some excellent saves to keep his side in the game.

Despite controlling most of the first half Sutton Valence conceded two goals, first from a short corner, shortly followed by a breakaway goal. Going into half time feeling a little hard done by with the score line given the performance, the talk was of giving more urgency and not allowing the Holcombe defence time to get organised.

Sutton Valence clawed one goal back early in the second half from a short corner converted by Rob Cockayne seeing the ball just dip to enough to hit the top of the backboard. Buoyed by this success Sutton Valence continued to take the game to Holcombe and then, a miracle occurred. Long-time goal tunnel-vision sufferer Rob Cockayne showed he is not just a one trick pony and picked out two perfect passes in two minutes (that's right, he PASSED), the first converted by Bob Bartlett and the second by Chris Sheldon to propel Sutton Valance into the lead.

Cockayne made sure of the victory by netting Sutton Valance's 4th goal with a trademark scuffed shot to wrongfoot the goalkeeper.

All in all, it was a great start to Valance's league campaign and the game was played in good spirits by both sides throughout. We look forward to the rematch later in the season.