Sutton Valence travelled to Blackheath & Elthamians looking to continue the good start to the season following last week's result against Holcombe. As is customary in October, as soon as Sutton Valence took to the field the rain started. Nothing too heavy, just the persistent drizzle that always seems to be going into your face regardless of the direction you're facing.

With a bare XI Sutton Valence started the game brightly with good patient build up play working the ball around the field. Sutton Valence found themselves encamped in the Blackheath half but despite this early pressure could not take the lead thanks to the Blackheath keeper. Sutton Valence scared the Blackheath goal with a notable ball into the D from Tom Morgan, which was deflected by Rob Cockayne, lifting over and beating the keeper only to be denied by the crossbar.

Sutton Valence managed to claw one back from a trademark Duncan Field burst down the right, breaking through a number of tackles to slip the ball into Cockayne, who whilst being challenged managed to add some force onto the ball and ping it between the keepers legs. Blackheath were very threatening on the break creating several dangerous chances and despite having the better of the play, Valence found themselves 4-1 down at half time.

After a slight reshuffle to try and shore up the midfield in an attempt to stop Blackheath breaking quite so quickly, and to aid in a number of injuries picked up in the first half, Sutton Valence retook the field knowing that the match was far from over.

Sutton Valence continued to play with patience, looking to make the ball do the work and spread the Blackheath defence.

Newly repositioned Tom Morgan, despite his broken spine, managed to round the keeper for a reverse stick finish to get the second goal.

Sutton Valence then conceded 2 goals in quick succession, one of which was from a short corner that despite a deflection from the defensive runner, just managed to squeeze between the defender on the line and the post.

Despite this setback, Sutton Valence still refused to give up on the game and scored two further goals through Duncan Wills and a second goal from Rob Cockayne who deserves a little extra credit for coming back into the midfield and doing more running than has been seen in recent years.

The final score was 6-4 and despite being the losing side, the performance put in by every player, especially in the second half was a credit to the team. On other weeks we could play half as well and come away with the points. Again the game was played in great spirit by both teams. It looks like this season is shaping up to be a really competitive one.

Team:[b]
Stewart Young; Stuart Edmed; Andy Bye; James Abrahams; Brett Angel; Chris Johnson; Alistair Robinson; Duncan Field; Tom Morgan ; Rob Cockayne; Duncan Wills.

[b]MoM: Duncan Field

Goals: Rob Cockayne (2); Tom Morgan; Duncan Wills.

Match Report by James Abrahams.

Next week the 3rd Xl play Burnt Ash 6th Xl at home at 11.15.