Saturday 15th January 2022 saw Sutton Valence 3rd XI travel away to Holcombe Harriers, an eagerly anticipated clash following a positive end to the first half of the season for Sutton Valence.

Due to a number of Covid related dropouts, Sutton Valence fielded a bare 11, with vintage workhorse Adrian Gander making his return to the side following a three year injury break following the installation of his new bionic knee-ligament.

The game started spritely, with Sutton Valence playing a simple sharp short passing game which saw a number of breaks through the centre of the field stemming from Stuart Edmed and Andrew Wishart, allowing the attackers to utilise their pace and get behind the Holcombe defence.

The first goal shortly followed from a reverse-stick flick from Duncan Wills, which saw the ball bounce awkwardly over the line. Despite the Holcombe defender’s objections for a no goal, it was deemed to stand. 1-0.

Sutton Valence continued to pile the pressure on with a number of fast attacks down the right and left hand sides, with Julian Mills and Duncan Field covering lots of ground. Sutton Valence further increased their lead when Rob Cockayne drove the ball down the left hand side, along the bye-line and a push backwards to allow Julian Mills a diving finish in past the keeper.

The second half saw Holcombe regain their composure, and they then too started to play a short ball game, whereas Sutton Valence decided to try and blast it down the middle. Holcombe managed to get two goals back in quick succession from two short corner drag flicks. A third goal for Holcombe shortly followed.

Now finding themselves on the back foot, Sutton Valence upped their work rate making a number of decent breaks. With 10 minutes remaining Duncan Field played a strong injection into the D to waiting Duncan Wills, who unselfishly spotted an unmarked Rob Cockayne, who was able to slot the ball past the keeper.

The game ended 3-3, and was an enjoyable match played with good spirit from both teams.

MoM: Andrew Wishart

Goals: Duncan Wills, Julian Mills, Rob Cockayne

Team: Louis Robinson; Nick Hall; Alastair Robinson; Adrian Gander; James Abrahams; Andrew Wishart; Julian Mills; Stuart Edmed; Duncan Field; Duncan Wills; Rob Cockayne
Umpires: Provided by Holcombe

Match report by Rob Cockayne.

The 3rd Xl’s next League game will be at home against Blackheath & Elthamians 7th Xl at 10.00 on the 22nd January, 2022.