Valence travelled to Burnt Ash knowing that they would be in for a tough match. The promise of 3 subs being available was shattered by a covid scare and goal scoring machine Rob Cockayne's sudden switch of allegiance to the Vets in the early hours. Thankfully there was still one remaining sub as Tom Morgan pulled up injured during the 'warm up.' He gingerly started the match but was replaced after a few short seconds never to return.

The game started strongly with both sides surging forwards to be met with strong defensive resistance. Burnt Ash probably had the better start to the game and eventually opened the scoring from a short corner scoring from the rebound after keeper Stewart Young's initial save. This was compounded shortly after when a rather aggressively blown penalty stroke was given against Young and Burnt Ash doubled their lead.

Valence fought back and a pin-point pass from Darren Thompson found Duncan Field free on the right of the D and he finished past the Burnt Ash keeper, who had been in good form having already made a succession of good saves.

Valence conceded a third from a quick Burnt Ash breakaway to go into half time 3-1 down. Unperturbed the Valence game plan didn't change and saw them take a much more commanding grip on the second half. Valence scored a second goal through Bob Bartlett who picked his way through the Burnt Ash defence like a hot knife through butter to score a fantastic solo goal.

Burnt Ash were shaken by this and Valence piled on the pressure searching for the equalising goal. For much of the remainder of the half Valence were camped in the Burnt Ash half forcing the opposition to play a number of hopeful long balls to strikers with little support.

Despite all this pressure time ran out before Valence could find a third, leaving the final result 3-2.

MoM: Charlie Tucker

Goals: Duncan Field; Bob Bartlett.

Team: Stewart Young, James Abrahams, Nick Hall, Charlie Tucker, Diki Turnhill, Alastair Robinson, Darren Thompson, Bob Bartlett, Duncan Field, Tom Morgan, Duncan Wills, Tom Bartlett.
Umpires: Provided by Burnt Ash.

Match report by James Abrahams.

The 3rd Xl will be at home next Saturday against Old Williamsonians 5th Xl.