12th February 2022 saw Sutton Valence 3rd XI travel away to Folkestone Optimists at their impressive Three Hills Sports Park facilities.
The game started at a fast pace, unfortunately however this was mainly down to Folkestone’s energetic youth policy as opposed to Sutton Valence’s very much middle-aged 10 man team. Folkestone made a number of early attacks which saw them utilise the extra man to tuck away 3 early goals.

Sutton Valence’s eleventh man, Louis Robinson, turned up half way through the first half, which rejuvenated some spirit in the team.
Sutton Valence tried to fight back the tide, but were struggling with a combination of a lack of pace on passes and not coming to collect the ball, which resulted in attack after attack from Folkestone. Sutton Valence went 6-0 down into the break.

An adjustment to Sutton Valence’s line-up at half time seemed to have made a bit of a difference, with Rob Cockayne heading to centre back and Charlie Tucker heading to join Ollie Sheldon up front.

Sutton Valence started to finally string some passes together but were unfortunately not able to capitalise on opportunities when they did get in the opposition D. Debutant Freddie Lee did pull one back with a nicely finished slap past the keeper.

Nevertheless, Folkestone continued to push forward, but were repeatedly driven back by the Sutton Valence defence and stand-in goalkeeper John Edmed making a number of good saves. Folkestone did manage to score a seventh goal with a very well finished strike from a tight angle which nobody could do anything about….credit where credit is due. The second half was much more productive for Sutton Valence, with a 1-1 result being produced, however 7-1 overall.

Onwards and upwards!

Goal: Freddie Lee

MoM: John Edmed

Team: John Edmed; Adrian Gander; Charlie Tucker; Andy Bye; Darren Thompson; Stuart Edmed; Duncan Field; Freddie Lee; Rob Cockayne; Ollie Sheldon; Louis Robinson.

Next week the 3rds play a postponed game against Blackheath and Elthamians 7th Xl at home at 10.30