Match Reports 10 November 2007

  • First Team

    Fixture
    Burnt Ash, 10 November 2007
    Result
    8 - 1 WIN ( A Turnill 3, C Back 3, N Lampp, Fraser )
    Venue
    Home
    Report

    Sutton Valence entered their home game against Burnt Ash knowing that it was a season changing fixture coming off the back of a bad result at Blackheath. SV had a full 1st team squad for the first time this season and had to make it count. The game started with SV showing their superior class moving the ball well and keeping good possession across the pitch. Despite this a defensive lapse that cost them dearly the week before haunted them again as an Ash striker was left unmarked at the far post to tap in and take the lead.

    From that point SV turned their possession into meaningful attacks and were level through Turnill within a minute after good work by Morgan. It soon became 2-1 when Turnill launched an unstoppable drag flick past the Ash keeper. SV bossed the game and the midfield of Posnette, Chris Back, Bray, Johnson and Angel continued to create opportunities. Back scored the first of his 3 goals before half time with a composed finish into the bottom corner. Turnill completed his hat trick with a neat finish at the far post and Valence went into the break 4-1 up knowing the game was still not safe. The defence line up Croucher, Steve Back, Worsfold, and Wilson snubbed out any opportunity Ash had of progressing in to the home sides D with ease. By now the forwards Turnill, Fraser, Morgan and Lampp were creating a headache for the Ash defence with their movement and excellent individual skills.

    Lampp slotted home after great control and Back scored his second with a cool finish past the onrushing keeper. Back completed his hat trick from the penalty spot after being brought scythed down in the area. The final goal came after Angel and Fraser linked up intricately releasing Angel down the base line before Fraser deflected the ball past the keeper into the top corner to make in 8-1.

    This capped off an excellent performance with every player putting in a excellent performance which SV know they are capable of. They will take heart from this performance as they travel away to a difficult fixture at Worthing next week.

    Team
    Croucher, Worsfold, Willson, S.Back, C.Back, Posnette, Bray, Angel, Turnill, Johnson, Lampp, Morgan, Fraser

    Kent Cup, 11 November 2007

    Fixture
    Canterbury
    Result
    3 - 6 LOSS ( A Turnill 2, C Back )
    Venue
    Home
    Report

    Valence entered the first round of the Kent Cup against National Premier division side Canterbury after a convincing 8-1 win on Saturday. Valence started the game brightly and took the lead through a Turnill drag flick. Canterbury started to take control of the match switching sides quickly and efficiently. The equaliser came after a harsh short corner was awarded but it was no less than they deserved.

    Canterbury took the lead with a tap in soon after but Valence did not let their heads drop and equalised through Turnill again from close range after good work from Mitchell. Valence sensed an upset and started the second half with real purpose. They took the lead through Chris Back with a well worked short corner but then things fell apart. With 15 minutes remaining, Valence were still in the lead but tiring. Canterbury equalised and then retook the lead and Valence had nothing left in the tank to come back again. Canterbury scored two more goals with Valence pushing forward and leaving the Canterbury strikers on there own up front to finish the game 6-3 winners.

    A great effort from everyone against a tough opposition and Valence will most definitely take the moral victory with the young Canterbury side too busy bickering with each other and the umpire to play hockey, especially on a Sunday with a hangover from hell that was not needed!! Best wishes must go to Rob Bray who had his face rearranged by the ball during the game and now he looks like 'Sloth' out of The Goonies.

    Team
    Burt, Johnson, Willson, S.Back, C.Back, Lampp, Morgan, Mitchell, McVarish, Bartlett, Bray, Carter, Turnill

  • Second Team

    Fixture
    BBHC, 10 November 2007
    Result
    0 - 2 LOSS
    Venue
    Away
    Report

    Sutton Valence went away to league leaders BBHC knowing that a tough match was on the cards, hopefully for both sides.

    Valence started well from the whistle with the majority of attacks using some good passing and going forward with the wingers. One BBHC attack resulted with a great Al Burt save which gave the BBHC side some confidence and after a short while a short corner was won which they duly converted. At one down Valence realised that it would be a lot better if we could go into the second half with at least a draw. One speedy Valence attack saw the ball cleared off the BBHC line by their keeper just before Freddie MacVarish was able to poke it home.

    A good team talk was had at half time and Valence went back confident after a strong but disappointing first half. The second half seemed tighter with fewer Valence attacks and more time in the midfield section which was manned well by Captain Andy Lee and Ben Tragett who tried to dispatch some attacking balls and drove forward well. After a short while this was broken down and BBHC had won a short corner which they again converted for a second goal past the valiant running of the defenders and the big frame of Al Burt.

    Two goals down and Valence realised more work would be needed if a goal was to be scored, this idea was compounded by a lack of subs where a different head and ready limbs could bolster any push forward. After one attack a BBHC contested short corner was won. Valence needed this one but it was unfortunately fluffed by veteran defender Rob Ife leaving a goalless loss at the end of the day.

    Valence cannot be disappointed by their efforts as there was a lot of good play and passing from the whole team. The game was also played in a good spirit by both sides. Next week a tough match is expected against Tunbridge Wells but like Chuck Norris we will be ready.

    Team
    Al Burt, R Ife, A MacVarish, S Parker, A Lee, B Tragett, L Mitchell, J Clarke, M Ife, F MacVarish, J Edmed, (UMPIRE: S. Weedon)
    MoM
    Andy McVarish

  • Third Team

    Fixture
    Herne Bay, 10 November 2007
    Result
    1 - 7 LOSS ( A Lynn )
    Venue
    Away
    Report

    With a much weakened side the Thirds travelled to Herne Bay hoping to keep to winning ways but knowing that it was going to be a hard game. It took a bit of time for both teams to find their feet but after 10 minutes the home side started to dominate and control the ball within their midfield and soon started to attack.

    The Sutton Valence defence stayed tight and were able to cut out the attacks and release the ball well but after 15 minutes with some good passing by Herne Bay they found a way into the D and managed to score their first goal. Valence kept their heads up and tried to keep the ball with some good link up play between man of the match Josh Davies and the midfield but a ricochet off one of the Valence players feet led to a quick break away goal for the home team. Where most teams would start giving up SV kept going and some fine skill and determination by match report writer Bert Bouwens led to the ball being dribbled past three if not four defenders before setting up Andy Lynn to claw one back just before the half time whistle.

    Some strong words of encouragement by captain Mark Leader at half time gave Valence a lift and the passing started to improve but with fatigue starting to set in the Herne Bay players took advantage and with a well worked short corner routine got their third of the game. It wasn't long before Herne Bay and their Jerry Ringers started to link up and within the final 20 minutes added another 4 to their tally.

    We'll put this one down as a slight blip to our season and look forward to playing Burnt Ash next week at home.

    Team
    Rob Sharp; Will Hoffman; Gareth Davies; Josh Davies; James Willmot; Mark Leader; Danny Grace; Will Fuller; Andy Lynn; Bert Bouwens; Ed Lewell
    MoM
    Josh Davies

  • Fourth Team

    Fixture
    Canterbury 6, 10 November 2007
    Result
    1 - 2 LOSS ( D Thompson )
    Venue
    Home
    Report

    The Sutton Valence 4th team came into the game on the back of 4 straight wins, and were eager to extend their winning streak, which would keep them at the top of the league. Unfortunately the team did not start well. The Canterbury team put a lot of pressure on the players in possession, and took the game to Valence. Valence were confined to their own half with a combination of poor passing, and good pressure from Canterbury. Canterbury made many chances, but were unable to finish some good attacking plays. The pressure from Canterbury pushed the midfield back, and there was very little service to the front three.

    At half time the talk was about how lucky we were to not be behind, and how we were to get back into the game. It was agreed that we had to put pressure on them when in possession, as they had done successfully in the first half.

    The second half started and Canterbury made a good attacking move, which resulted in the opening goal. Valence then started to play some attacking hockey, and quickly won a short corner. Darren Thompson struck the shot sweetly and got Valence the equaliser. As players started to tire, the game started to open up. Valence were unlucky to not get a 2nd when Chad Henderson pulled his shot wide following a pass from Rupert Humphrey.

    The game seemed to be heading towards a draw when Canterbury launched yet another attack, and with Valence unable to clear the ball, Canterbury popped up and scored the winner.

    Valence will need to play better if they hope to get promoted from this league, although the back 3 of Ed Goacher, Rob Harrison and Kyle Henderson did well to break down a lot of the Canterbury attacks.

    Team
    Will Aldridge, Ed Goacher, Rob Harrison, Kyle Henderson, Ben Galaphant, Darren Thompson, Ben Grabham, Chad Henderson, Simon Davies, Rupert Humphrey, Daniel Mansfield, James Abrahams
    MoM
    Rob Harrison

  • Fifth Team

    Fixture
    Gillingham Anchorians, 10 November 2007
    Result
    1 - 2 LOSS ( P Bramall )
    Venue
    Away
    Report

    Floodlit hockey matches at a windswept venue such as Gillingham are usually problematic and this one proved no different. For a team at the bottom of the league, Anchorians possessed a very youthful and skilful midfield, a strong defence and an outstanding keeper. The first half was played at great pace with attacks from both sides. Anchorians scored the only goal of the first half from a shot that deflected in off a post.

    In the second half a slight change of personnel and position worked wonders and Valence created many more chances on goal. Eventually the equalizing goal came and only superb work from the home keeper kept the score at one all. Anchorians continued to attack at pace but the defence held firm. Anchorians retook the lead after an outrageous umpiring decision allowed an attacker to deliberately intercept a 15 metre free hit from a distance of no more than 2 metres. His pass to an unmarked player was swept home. In the last 10 minutes Valence pressed for the equalizer. Anchorians packed their defence which made it difficult for the umpire to spot the offences which should have resulted in penalty corners or in one case a penalty flick.

    After the game the opposition umpire made up a rule to justify his decision, which further darkened the mood of the team.

    Team
    Sharp, Willmot, Simmons, Nettle, Hall, D Barton, Sagrott, Grace, Abrahams, Ashness, J Davies, P Barton, Bramall. Umpire: Ashness and Sagrott
    MoM
    Richard Ashness

  • Ladies 1st Team

    Fixture
    Sevenoaks, 10 November 2007
    Result
    3 - 3 DRAW ( L Dewart 2, A Kish )
    Venue
    Away
    Report

    Sevenoaks had several young players and they had most of the play in the first half. Sutton Valence defended well and kept trouble out, but each time the defenders got the ball clear, the Sevenoaks midfield pressed hard and brought the ball back. The first goal was produced from a lively run from the Sevenoaks right wing and a text book cross into the penalty spot.

    Ten minutes into the first half a fantastic run by Sarah Lacey gave Valence a chance to equalise. A ball into Lauren Dewart was narrowly missed and whilst Valence were congratulating Lacey in her skills, she received a shock stick in the mouth from a Sevenoaks defender! Lots of blood later, it was discovered that it was a superficial lip wound, but one that cost Valence their striker for the remainder of the first half.

    Valence Sweeper Carol Hazelton had a tremendous game and organised the defence for the visiting team. Caroline Lawton and Zoe Wright continually battled hard against very active wingers and Nikki Leggat drove the ball out hard through the centre of the pitch. A short corner routine resulted in a Sevenoaks second goal, but ten man Valence were rewarded for their persistence when Anna Kish struck a hard ball into the right post that was neatly converted by Lauren Dewart.

    Lacey returned on right wing in the second half and a charge up her wing very nearly resulted in a second Valence goal within the first two minutes. A corner at the other end, cost Valence a goal and Sevenoaks scored their third.

    Despite being 3-1 down, Valence were starting to pick up pace and look the better team. Several Lacey crosses later and finally Anna Kish got on the end of it to score Valence's second goal. Georgie Pares and Nikki Leggat worked hard in midfield to Valence's advantage. A well worked penalty corner towards the end of the match, saw Dewart's second goal and Valence's equaliser.

    This was truely a team effort for Valence and all credit to the defenders and the young goal keeper Chloe Auger for keeping Valence in the game against all odds.

    Team
    Chloe Auger, Carol Hazelton, Caroline Lawton, Nikki Leggat, Zoe Wright, Georgie Pares, Emily Bush, Emma Donkersley (c), Anna Kish, Sarah Lacey, Lauren Dewart

  • Sutton Russets

    Fixture
    Wellcome, 10 November 2007
    Result
    3 – 4 LOSS ( M Russell-Vick 2, S Garner )
    Venue
    Away
    Report

    This week the Russets faced an unfortunate defeat against Wellcome at Swanscombe. The omens were not good when half the team managed to get lost on their way to the game. Throughout the match, Russets had the majority of the possession and considerably more attacking opportunities. However, due to the team being disjointed, our basic errors in passing and not using the width of the pitch to our advantage meant Wellcome was able to make some strong counterattacks with efficient ease.

    Russets opened up the scoring with Mel Russell-Vick clinically striking from the top D in a well worked penalty corner routine with Margaret Turner hitting out with her usual accuracy. However it was not long until Wellcome responded with 2 goals just before half time.

    The second half seemed more positive as Russets’ passing improved and the width of the pitch began to be considered. However, sloppy marking in midfield paved the way for Wellcome to advance rapidly towards our goal. Debutant keeper and Captain Claire Matthews made a sterling effort at blocking Wellcome’s bombardment of shots on goal, but unfortunately they got 2 more past us.

    Russets continued to work hard in attack determined to end the match with a draw. Again, on another penalty corner Mel Russell-Vick scored her second. Great link play in midfield between newcomer Morgan Neale and Emily Bush ensured the ball found its way up the pitch again. This enabled Sophie Garner to smash the ball against the left post which in turn deflected across the goal line. Regrettably, the final whistle blew before we had the opportunity to retaliate further. Too many mistakes made early on in the game meant that the Russets had to accept defeat, but we will be looking to improve upon our performance in next week’s challenge against top of the table Broms & Becks.

    Team
    Claire Matthews, Carol Turner, Emily Sullivan, Louisa Crispin, Amelia Shaw, Liz Talbot, Morgan Neale, Sophie Garner, Emily Bush, Margaret Turner, Mel Russell-Vick, Jane Bishop. Umpire: Peter Davies
    MoM
    Mel Russell-Vick

  • Veterans Team

    Fixture
    Chelmsford Evergreens 10 November 2007
    Result
    3 - 5 LOSS ( S Mole, D Bracewell, C Worsfold )
    Venue
    Away
    Report

    Keen to make up for the lost away game earlier in the season, Sutton Valence opened brightly and looked to have the edge. Their early play put Chelmsford under pressure and produced some good opportunities, which were unfortunate not to be put away, particularly when, against this run of play, Chelmsford scored first.

    This goal gave Chelmsford the lift they had needed and Sutton Valence had to endure a greater level of attack, but their heads did not go down and from successful breakouts they secured three short corners in fairly quick succession. Whilst the first two produced nothing, the third strike, by Dave Bracewell, was kicked out by the keeper and hammered back past him by Steve Mole. Then, just before half time, another attack into the Chelmsford dee with Stuart Bates and Dave Bracewell linking well, ended with a cheeky back sticks shot across the keeper from the latter that put Valence in the lead.

    The second half proved disappointing for Valence as their flow seemed to disappear and Chelmsford were successful in holding them in their half of the pitch for some time, by concerted attacks that were too often not effectively repulsed. During this period Chelmsford scored three times more from open play, despite the best efforts of the hard worked defence. Valence still managed some breakouts and had further opportunities to get back on equal terms, but it was only fairly late on that Charles Worsfold got one of his favourite chances on the near post and put it away. This might have been the point of the game changing again in Valence’s favour, but hopes were dashed as Chelmsford added a late fifth goal to seal the match.

    Team
    Dave Britton; Richard Evans; Gray Smith-Laing; Phil Higgins; Steve Mole; John Knight; Stuart Bates; Charles Worsfold; Rupert Humphrey; Dave Bracewell; Paul Linaker. Umpire: Nick Willson