Match Reports 3 November 2007

Fixture

Blackheath, 03 November 2007

Result

2 - 7 LOSS ( T Morgan, C Johnson )

Venue

Away

Report

A weakened Sutton Valence side travelled to Blackheath in what should have been a tightly contested game. Valence started strongly but after two lapses in concentration found themselves 2-0 down early on. Tom Morgan pulled a goal back with a sweetly struck reverse stick shot before half time to leave Valence with plenty of hope going into the second half.

Blackheath came flying out of the blocks early on and scored two more early goals again after mistakes from the Valence players. Blackheath added a further three goals through their pacy centre forwards who gave the Valence defence the run around all game. Valence scored a consolation goal through Chris Johnson with a tap in after a goal mouth scramble.

The result does not do justice to the game with Valence just not getting the run of the ball with any loose ball falling to an unmarked Blackheath player who punished them with crisp strikes on goal. Sutton Valence entertain Burnt Ash next week hoping to get their season back on track.

Team

Croucher, Worsfold, C.Back, S.Back, Willson, Johnson, Lampp, Posnette, Angel, Morgan, Turnill.
Fixture, 03 November 2007

Holcombe

Result

1 – 0 WIN ( N Poulter )

Venue

Home

Report

This week Sutton Valence entertained Holcombe with an unusually early start. So much so that F McVarish was still wiping the sleep from his eyes at pushback. Valence soon got into their stride, creating a number of chances. Notably a Rob Bray snap shot rebounded off the post at such an angle that it eluded the supporting attack. On a further occasion, Nat Poulter carved open the defence only to smash the ball into the side netting from an impossible angle to the chagrin of his fellow forwards. Holcombe, however, were extremely dangerous with their rapid counterattacking which lead to a few nervous moments. The deadlock was finally broken when Max Ife went on a mazy run through the midfield before setting up Nat Poulter who coolly swept the ball home.

The second half continued in much the same open vein as the first. Sutton Valence had slightly better possession and territory but Holcs continued to threaten an equaliser on the break. The quick Holcombe forwards tested the seasoned back line of A McVarish, Parker and R Ife towards the end of the match. However, they proved as dependable as ever as Valence held out for a well earned victory.

Team

A Burt; A McVarish; S Parker; R Ife; J Edmed; A Lee; B Tragett; L Mitchell; F McVarish; R Bray; N Poulter; M Ife. Umpire: S Weedon

MoM

Max Ife
Fixture

Old Bordenians, 03 November 2007

Result

3 - 0 WIN ( T Edwards, A Devlin, W Fuller )

Venue

Home

Report

Sutton Valence thirds faced Old Bordenians their old friends from Kent Division 2 who they beat in the final game of last season to win the league so they knew it was never going to be easy. With the team starting to work together the first 15 minutes were of mixed fortunes with both teams keen to attack and Valence's defence having to be alert as Old Bords made several good moves but some good defending meant that Valence were able to turn these around and tried several times to catch Old Bords on the break but these were cut out at the last minute. After 20 minutes a change in positioning for 2 of the Valence team lent to a stronger attacking force and soon a short corner was awarded for Tom Edwards to strike into the goal. The pressure was then turned to Valence as Old Bords tried to get an equaliser before half time but Valence were starting to find rhythm and went into the break pleased to be one up but knowing that a lot more hard work was needed.

The second half was a more physical affair with a few players getting knocks from high balls and low shoulders but this just spurred on both teams and a fine solo run by Ed Lewell allowed Andy Devlin to lose his marker and slot home a second. This spurred on the visiting team who desperately wanted to get something from the game but committing players to attack left them sparse at the back and a quick break and some fine finishing by Will Fuller made the final score 3-0.

Team

Al Burt; Will Hoffman; Josh Davies; Hamish Dow; Mark Leader; Chris Stile; Will Fuller; Ed Lewell; Tom Edwards; Bert Bouwens; Andy Devlin

MoM

Tom Edwards
Fixture

Canterbury Griffins, 03 November 2007

Result

6 - 2 WIN ( C Henderson 2, A Lynn 2, T Laing, S Davies )

Venue

Away

Report

This week the 4th team faced an away fixture against the Veteran Canterbury Griffins team on very good yet unfamiliar water based surface.

Both Sides started the games well with some good passing and play, but it was Valence who opened the scoring after 5 minutes with a good strike by Chad Henderson. Minutes later Goal Machine Andy Lynn doubled Valences lead after Thompson’s initial shot hit the post and it was looking very much like this game was going to be a rout. However the home side redoubled their efforts and were rewarded with a goal of their own to give Valence a reminder that the game was not yet won. From the restart some good play from Ben Grabham and Darren Thompson saw overseas player Terry Laing in space and he flicked the ball past the stranded keeper to make it 3-1. Valence added another goal before the break with a good passing move finished off by Henderson to leave the home side 3 goals down and staring defeat in the face.

The 2nd half started much the same as the 1st but Canterbury were now putting all their efforts forward playing some good old fashioned long ball hockey, with their number 10 coming close to scoring on several occasions, but again it was Valence who scored the 1st goal of the half with another textbook finish from Lynn. Then Valence went to sleep a little putting pressure on the Back line of Kyle Henderson, Harrison and Davies and forcing some fine saves from player of the match Aldridge who eventually found himself surrounded by 3 unmarked Green and white shirts and had no chance of preventing Canterbury’s 2nd goal of the match. In the last 5 minutes the Bustling Simon Davies made a great run and finished off Laing’s powerful cross to make the final score 6-2 to a very happy Sutton Valence side.

This was another enjoyable game played in good spirits by both sides, Valence proved they didn’t have to rely on set pieces with all 6 goals scored from open play and they had to be as there wasn’t a Valence short corner awarded in the whole match!

All of Valences youngsters played very well and will be pushing for the higher teams soon no doubt and thanks to Chad, Lino, Gareth and Terry for turning up relatively sober!!!

A final thanks to both of the Canterbury Umpires who were both very good and made a good game even better.

Team

Will Aldridge, Kyle Henderson, George Thomas, Rob Harrison, Ben Grabham, Chad Henderson, Ben Coyle, Darren Thompson, James Abrahams, Simon Davies, Gareth Davies, Tarry Laing, Andy Lynn

MoM

Will Aldridge
Fixture

Old Bordenians, 03 November 2007

Result

4 - 1 WIN ( R Ashness 2, D Grace, N Hall )

Venue

Home

Report

For the first time this season, Valence started the brighter of the two sides and scored first after 10 minutes following a typical quick reaction by Danny Grace in front of goal. The home side continued to press and won numerous penalty corners but without adding to the score. Bordenians managed to score from their only period of sustained attack just before half time.

A change in players and positions worked wonders and the home side began to pass the ball around more quickly and inventively after the break. The goals followed at regular intervals with two scores from Richard Ashness and a deserved tap in by Nick Hall.

The young players are now showing their potential and are blending well with some of the more mature players. Philip Barton ran tirelessly throughout the match, as did Jack Davies and Ben Gallafant.

Team

Rob Sharpe, David Barton, Mike Nettle, Iain Simmons, Nick Hall, Bob Sagrott, Danny Grace, Ben Gallafant, Lyndon Davies, Richard Ashness, Philip Barton, Jack Davies, Phil Bramall. Umpire: Andy Devlin

MoM

Philip Barton
Fixture

Old Williamsonians, 03 November 2007

Result

1 - 0 WIN ( S Lacey )

Venue

Home

Report

It was a tough match for Valence this week with only the minimum 11 players. However, they did well to keep a persistent Old Williamsons team at bay to finaish with a 1-0 win.

As always, the Valence defence were on fine form with tight marking and strong tackling, as well as a significant contribution to many of the initial attacks on Old Wills’. Nicola Leggat and Caroline Lawton were instrumental in fielding the ball forward and Zoe Wright more than proved her place in the 1st team by earning the ball at every opportunity by never giving up.

The link between the attack and the defence was a little disjointed in the first half, but the goal was scored in the first half nonetheless. Sarah Lacey was neatly set up by a ball from Anna Kish and Lacey flicked the ball home for a 1-0 lead.

The remainder of the match resulted in Valence holding a large amount of the attacking play, but with 100% of the Wills’ team in the circle, it was difficult for Valence to capitalise on their attack. Even with several short corners Valence still didn’t manage to score as the Old Wills’ goal keeper saved strike after strike; largely from Emma Donkersley and Nicola Leggat.

The end result was a 1-0 win for valence. It wasn’t the best game of hockey for Valence ladies this season, but it was a triumphat win against a team that is 2 leagues ahead of Valence in the tables.

Team

Chloe Auger, Caroline Lawton, Nicola Leggat, Zoe Wright, Emma Donkersley (c), Georgie Pares, Emily Sullivan, Sarah Lacey, Lauren Dewart, Anna Kish, Lauren.

MoM

Caroline Lawton
Fixture

Sevenoaks, 03 November 2007

Result

2 – 5 LOSS ( E Sullivan, J Bishop )

Venue

Away

Report

The Russets faced an extremely tough game this week against a young, fit and skilful Sevenoaks side whom we have not come up against before. Although S’Oaks had the main possession throughout the game, the Russets battled hard and were determined not to make it an easy ride for the home team. After a few lucky breaks and several penalty corners in our favour, a Sophie Simmonds short corner strike was partially cleared to the top of the D only for Emily Sullivan to return it into the roof of the net in spectacular style. The lead was short lived as S’Oaks rapidly equalised. On the stoke of half time, Russets regained the lead with a fine counterattacking move, culminating in Liz Talbot setting up Jane Bishop on the far post. 2-1.

The Russets actually stepped up their game in the second half and every member of the team gave their all. Passing and tackling improved; but we were no match for the more agile S’Oaks youngsters who were particularly dynamic down their right hand side of the pitch. In a manic 10 minute period S’Oaks scored 4 times. Despite the defeat the side can take credit from their performance with particular praise for the energetic Naomi Martin in midfield and stand-in keeper Carol Turner who made several fine saves.

Team

Carol Turner, Claire Matthews, Nicola Andrews, Caroline Perry, Amelia Shaw, Louisa Crispin, Liz Talbot, Naomi Martin, Emily Sullivan, Sophie Garner, Margaret Turner, Sophie Simmonds, Jane Bishop. Umpire: Bob Percival

MoM

Naomi Martin
Fixture

Canterbury Friars, 03 November 2007

Result

2 - 1 WIN ( D Bracewell, S Bates )

Venue

Home

Report

At last Sutton Valence Vets have won a game this season, and pretty convincingly too, even more than the score-line might suggest.

Valence had Canterbury under pressure pretty well from the off, making confident runs into their half and beginning to get through into their dee. Whilst Canterbury’s defence repulsed many of these sorties, some did get as far as shots on goal but these were either just wide or cleared by Canterbury’s young and effective keeper. Eventually, however, after a number of close shaves and a couple of unconverted short corners, Dave Bracewell successfully put one away to join the other single goal top scorers for the Vets, and his first for the Club.

Recognising that attack is the best form of defence, Canterbury started to increase their work-rate and to fight their way back into the game. During this period the Valence defence, marshalled by Gray Smith-Laing, coped well, whilst midfield, Valence strove to break-up the attacks and bring their own forwards back into the game.

In the early second half Canterbury pressured hard to get back on terms, but it was Valence who made the better opportunities and who could have run in a number goals with a little better finishing. However Stuart Bates finally gained the goal he deserved for his good work alongside Bracewell. This now means that four of the team (and one loaned player) have all scored just one goal for the team this season!

This second goal really set Canterbury alight and in the final quarter they turned the heat on Valence. This firstly led to them winning a penalty flick, but this was superbly palmed away by Valence keeper, Dave Britton. Then, after more spirited running at the Valence defence they succeeded in getting the ball round them and into the net. Now Canterbury thought that the game was swinging their way, and that with even more effort they could yet draw level and overtake. But Valence refused to be pressured into a defensive game and came out attacking until the final whistle.

Next week will be another tough home game as Sutton Valence play Chelmsford Evergreens at 11.30 on the Prep School astro, when they will be trying to make up for their 3 : 1 loss away on 13th October.

Team

Dave Britton; Dave Barton (part); Bob King; Gray Smith-Laing; Steve Mole; Peter Jackson; Andy Beavis; Phil Bramall (part); John Knight; Stuart Bates; Hugh Robertson; Dave Bracewell; Paul Linaker. Umpires: Nick Willson and Charles Worsfold

MoM

Dave Bracewell