First Team Details

With only 2 points separating 5 teams trying to avoid the last relegation spot in the Kent/Sussex Premier League , Sutton Valence did themselves no favours this weekend going down 2-1 to Tunbridge Wells. T Wells who now go ahead of Valence on points, and with other results not going their way, leave Valence requiring some inspired performances going into the final two games.

T Wells started the brighter of the two teams commanding much of the early possession. Valence in contrast, were slow to get out of the blocks and indeed fortunate not to find themselves behind within the first 5 minutes after conceding two early short corners. Given the significance of the result riding on the game, it was disappointing not to see more urgency from Valence from in these early exchanges.

Valence didn't manage to hold out for long though and with a little over 10 minutes gone, T Wells took a deserved lead capitalising on a defensive error from "the usually dependable" T Willson. N Lampp, Valence's usual defensive error specialist, has obviously passed on some useful tips ahead of his long awaited return home to Australia.

Following the goal, the game opened up with T Wells now content to sit back and let Valence come onto them. During this passage of play Valence looked threatening at times, but given the amount of space in which they were allowed to play, created precious few meaningful chances on goal. In search of the equalizer, Valence committed numbers forward with full backs, C Johnson and S Back, in particular, often choosing to 'defend' from some courageously advanced positions. It was only a matter of time before Wells were allowed to break away and with a series of slick passes doubled their lead after 20 minutes.

Valence finished the half strongly, but with a two goal lead, T Wells had the luxury of letting their opposition play in front of them. Following a serious dressing down at half time, Valence began the second half with fresh ideas and impetuous. Possession soon started to turn into chances, and for the first time in the game the T Wells defence were genuinely tested. On the hour Valence managed to convert a scrambled goal crossed in from the left with B Angel getting 'just enough' on it to chip it over the diving keeper and trickle over the line.

With the score now at 2-1 and Valence in the ascendency, the game looked to be heading for a grand stand finish. However, it was not to be as T Wells kept their cool and Valence found themselves down to 10 men following a malicious challenge (having studied the replays) from Valence's regular sin-bin warmer, R Bray.

Valence will have their work cut out in the last two games, and despite having amassed 22 points, now find themselves reliant on other results if they are to avoid relegation.