Sutton Valence travelled to Ashford hoping to bounce back from last week's drubbing at the hands of Holcombe but knowing Ashford were 2nd in the league and likely to be a tough opposition.

As expected, Ashford started the game strongly and the Sutton Valence defence was under sustained pressure from the outset. Having weathered the initial storm, including not one, but two goalline clearances from short corners. Sutton Valence started to put together some attacks of our own and gained a foothold in the match. The remainder of the first half was a game of attack and counterattack but Valence managed to break the deadlock as long-time head-down goal scorer Rob Cockayne shocked the watching crowds with a weighted pass inside in the Ashford D, allowing Jack Sheldon to guide the ball past the keeper.

The second half was a fiercely contested affair and eventually Ashford managed to equalise through a quick break. Ashford were unlucky not to capitalise on a number of back post chances, much to their frustration, which was a similar story at the other end with Sutton Valence unable to convert two short corners, and a top-corner LBZ from Rob Cockayne edged away by the Ashford keeper.

As the game drew to a close it looked like the match would end a draw but Sutton Valence refused to give up, continuing to attack even into the final minute and were rewarded as Rob Cockayne quickly self-took a free hit on the edge of the D and drive in it for a slap shot which to everyone’s bemusement deflected into the Ashford goal off of a defender's stick with 27 seconds left on the illuminated scoreboard. Sutton Valence then saw off the remaining seconds to claim the victory.

A special mention goes to Chris Sheldon who solved Sutton Valence's goalkeeping crisis by stepping up and donning the pads for the first time ever and putting in an outstanding performance. So good in fact that the Ashford players were in disbelief that it was his first time ever in goal. Congratulations to Chris on his permanent promotion to the position.

Goals: Jack Sheldon; Rob Cockayne.

Man of the Match: Chris Sheldon

Team: Chris Sheldon; Nick Hall; James Abrahams; Russell Blanchard; Chris Johnson; Alistair Robinson; Charlie Tucker; Darren Thompson; Duncan Field; Jack Sheldon; Duncan Wills; Rob Cockayne.

Next week the 3rd Xl are at home at 09.45 against Gillingham Anchorians 3rd Xl.

Match report by James Abrahams.