Match Reports 13 October 2007

Fixture

Ashford, 13 October 07

Result

1 - 6 LOSS ( F McVarish )

Venue

Report

Sutton Valence hosted Ashford on Saturday knowing that a difficult game was ahead of them. Sutton Valence started the brighter side, maintaining the majority of possession throughout the first half, however it was Ashford who led 2-0 at half time following a quick break away goal and a penalty flick.

The second half saw SV resume with the same determination and commitment that they has shown in the first half. This was soon rewarded after Ashford once again contested an umpires decision. Valence continued to play and Fred McVarish scored with a well-finished strike. Despite, the Ashford appeals, the Umpires refused to let the decision go to the video referee. SV continued to rally and Ashford were soon down to 10 men after the sin-binning of a player after a bad tackle. However, SV were unable to take advantage and Ashford held on to their lead despite this. As the game reached the final 10 minutes, Ashford began to dominate the game for the first time. Their fitness and movement of the ball proved to be superior and they scored a further 4 goals through some good play but also some luck.

With the score of 6-1 resigned to the history books, this is a somewhat flattering score line to the visitors. However, SV can take a lot of positives from this game and look forward to playing Marden Russets next week (away 2.00 PM start).

Team

L.Croucher, S.Back, T.Willson, R.Turnill, B.Angel, C.Back, N.Lampp, C.Johnson, A Turnill, I.Frazer, F.McVarish, T.Morgan, B.Bartlett
Fixture

Sevenoaks, 13 October 07

Result

1 - 3 WIN ( E Lewell, A Devlin, J Clark )

Venue

Away

Report

An away fixture on a sunny morning in Sevenoaks saw a bouyant team arrive to continue their good form to the previous weeks matches. A welcome return to the much rested captain with something to prove and the SV team took early control of the game with confident passing and control in the opening quarter. But Sevenoaks weren't letting them have their own way and made a few quick and incisive attacks of their own bringing out some strong defending and saves. This kept SV on their toes and they continued right up to the half with much of possession and some fine moves, not many shots on target but the sense that the win was for the taking was in the team spirit.

A goal-less half was a bit unexpected but from the restart SV carried on where they had left off with some good pressing attacks. The break through came from a breakdown which fell to Ed Lewell who showed good composure and finished off a good solo effort to put SV into the lead. Sv continued to press and defend high up the pitch but a careless error from a short corner routine gave 7Oaks an advantage in numbers and with a fast move down the right saw the SV goal line breached by an unmarked player tapping in a smart cross though the defence.

SV didn't dwell and continued to move the ball around and left 7Oaks chasing spaces and shadows. A series of short corners came to SV who were not going to make the same mistake and with cool heads and simple skills saw Devlin tap in at close range. Both teams looked a bit weray in the last 15 but Sv stuck to the plan and some great individual running into space by the SV forwards gave way to a number of two on one situations that could have led to a much higher score line, and with minutes to go one such move was converted to leave a satisfied SV team taking back a 3-1 win and Clark getting on the scoresheet. An all round good performance with some encouraging passages of play, but most pleasing was the way the team are looking to gel so early on in the season.

Team

A Burt, S Parker, J Davies, A Devlin, Will Fuller, M Leader (Capt), E Lewell, R Ife, C Stille, R Bouwens, J Clark. Umpire: H Dow
Fixture

Holcombe 6, 13 October 07

Result

8 - 0 WIN ( A Lynn 5, C Henderson, J Willmott, S Davies )

Venue

Home

Report

The Sutton Valence 4th team took to the field against the Holcombe 6 team, hoping to erase the memories of the defeat to the Holcombe 5A side the week before. The team were glad to have back 3 players who missed the previous weeks defeat, and Andy Lynn fresh from a night on the town, making his first appearance of the season, who put in a MOM performance.

Valence started the game quickly, and put immediate pressure on the Holcombe defence. Good passing and movement from the midfield set up many chances, and soon Valence were 1 up when Andy Lynn finished one of these moves. Sutton Valence were very quick on the restart and a few minutes later the quick passing and movement allowed Chad Henderson to get the second. The half continued with any breaks made by Holcombe broken down by the back three of Hoffman, Harrison and K Henderson. 5 minutes before half time Andy Lynn got a third.

The second half started as quickly as the third. Valence maintained the pressure and continued to keep the Holcombe defence busy. Again another quick break ended with another Lynn goal. The remainder of the team congratulated him, as he now had to get a jug. The goals then came thick and fast with James Willmott making it 5 – 0, Lynn making it six and Simon Davies getting the seventh. Lynn ended the match well getting his fifth and Valences eighth.

Holcombe did make some various breaks, but the defence kept firm. This was a good performance from the team, who were all desperate to make up for the poor start to the league the week before. The midfield of Ben Galaphant, Ben Grabham, Marcus Van de Gaag and Chad Henderson were outstanding. With more players due back from injury, the team hope to start getting some points and making their way up the table.

Team

Will Aldridge, Will Hoffman, Rob Harrison, Kyle Henderson, Ben Galaphant, Ben Grabham, Marcus Van de Gaag, Chad Henderson, Simon Davies, Andy Lynn, James Willmott, Lewis Mitchell, Tony Auger

MoM

Andy Lynn
Fixture

Folkestone, 13 October 07

Result

1 - 1 DRAW ( P Stileman )

Venue

Home

Report

Folkestone arrived late and the start was delayed for 20 minutes. The opposition pushed off and were ahead within the first minute, without valence touching the ball. The team regrouped and began to press and create chances. The score at half time was 0-1.

The second half started well and eventually the pressure resulted in a swift move for Pat Stileman to ease the ball home. Valence had most of the play yet the defence looked vulnerable with each Folkestone attack. The Valence pressure looked to have paid off as Danny Grace collected a good throughball, turned and slipped the keeper. The ball clearly did not want to enter the goal and deflected across the goal mouth eluding the attacking players.

A draw was better than could be expected after the first few minutes but ultimately it was two points lost.

Team

Danny Armstrong, Rob King, Dave Barton, Nick Hall, Bob Sagrott, Danny Grace, James Abrahams, Pat Stileman, Louis Summers, Lyndon Davies, Phil Bramall, Philip Barton, Richard Ashness, Dan Mansfield. Umpire: Phil Higgins

MoM

Bob Sagrott
Fixture

Gillingham Anchorians, 13 October 07

Result

6 - 3 WIN ( S Lacey 4, S Leggat 2 )

Venue

Report

Sutton Valence Ladies were missing 4 key players for their match against Anchorians Ladies 2nds this saturday, but were determined to capitalise on more chances than the previous week.

Right from the start the game looked evenly matched. Anchorians took the play to Valence in the first ten minutes, but the Valence defence stood fast and kept any trouble at bay. The power struggles between the midfielders predominently resulted in Valence winning the ball and often Sarah Lacey created space and found herself up front at the top of the D on her own with a shot on goal. A run by Alex Auger up right wing, neatly crossing the ball to Lacey in front of goal, gave rise to Valence's first goal. In quick succession came another goal from Lacey, this time from open play. Following two great goals, Valence suffered a blow as Auger clashed in a tackle and went over on her ankle rendering her injured for the remainder of the match. Anchorians took advantage of this disruption and pressed hard on the Valence defenders, creating an opportunity to score.

A second Anchorian goal came from a penalty corner strike, just after half time, producing the equaliser.

Valence then appear to get a second wind. Nikki Leggat played magnificently in midfield weaving in and out of players and passing deftly to those around her. She was rewarded for her skill and persistence by scoring her first goal from a penalty corner routine and another remarkable goal at an unbelievable angle across the goalmouth. Birthday girl Lacey was on form and scored another two goals, one from open play and one from a penalty corner battle. Anchorians scored a cracking penalty corner goal just before the final whistle, but the game had been over long before that.

The goal scorers were revelling in their glory at the end of the game, but the whole team had lifted their game from the previous week and should be proud of their performance.

Team

Riona Evenden, Carol Hazelton, Caroline Lawton, Zoe Wright, Natalie Higginson, Emma Donkersley (c), Emily Bush, Olivia Toppin, Nikki Leggat, Alex Auger, Sarah Lacey
Fixture

Meopham, 13 October 07

Result

3 - 6 LOSS ( M Turner 2, N Martin )

Venue

Away

Report

Sutton Russets faced their toughest opposition yet at Meopham this week which resulted in their first loss of the season. From the start, Meopham started well with stronger passing and teamwork. Within the first 5 minutes, this led to Meopham scoring. Not letting the score bring the Russets down, the forwards received the ball from competent passing skills of Emily Sullivan and Margaret Turner equalled the score line. Unfortunately towards the end of the second half, the Russets gave away two short corners to Meopham which they scored from both. Naomi Martin made the most of the passing skills from the forwards and slotted a goal in before the whistle was blown for half time leaving the score at 3-2.

In the second half, Russets seemed more energised to meet the challenge of Meopham and stepped up a level in their play. The halfs; Emily, Morgan and Louisa were relentless in their marking of players and played well throughout the game. Russets had plenty of opportunity in attack and Margaret Turner made the most of this and slotted another goal in. The defence were worked hard in the second half and Meopham made several breaks with the ball. Carol Turner played extremely well and made several crucial clearances to halt Meopham’s opportunities. Unfortunately, the Russets gave away another short corner and a penalty flick which Meopham capitalised on.

This week, the Russets welcomed new players Morgan Neal and Jane Bishop into the team and they made a solid contribution to the team play. Unfortunately the Russets were outpaced this week and lacked a couple of their crucial players to keep the game flowing. The result means the Russets have plenty to work on in order to make an impact in their future games.

Team

M Neal, J Bishop, M Turner, S Garner, N Martin, E Sullivan, L Crispin, C Turner, A Pawlik, A Shaw, C Auger, C Matthews

MoM

Morgan Neal
Fixture

Chelmsford, 13 October 07

Result

1 - 3 LOSS ( C Worsfold )

Venue

Away

Report

Charles Worsfold leapt into the leading goal-scorer slot for the Vets when tapping home their only goal in the match, and in the season so far!! It was only possible as a result of a pin-point pass from Stuart Bates who had drawn the keeper and then stranded him with his pass to Charles who was on the left post.

Chelmsford were very much in command in the first half with their more accurate passing to players in space and their quicker tackling of Valence players with the ball. This inevitably led to Valence often rushing their clearances or passes which, in many instances, ended up with the opposition. Whilst Chelmsford’s first goal, when it came, was not clearcut, there was no disputing their second. In-between, the Valence defence worked hard to deflect several other threatening excursions into their dee.

In the second half, Sutton Valence were more successful in getting into the opposition’s half and set up several attacks that might have led to successful conversion, but Chelmsford defended strongly. A couple of short corners were won but the shots on goal were just wide. Chelmsford added one more before the response referred to at the head of this report saved Valence from a whitewash.

Team

Dave Britton; Steve Mole; Nick Willson; Peter Jackson; Andy Beavis; John Knight; Stuart Bates; Charles Worsfold; Henry Humphrey; Richard Evans; Paul Linaker

MoM

Stuart Bates
Fixture

Tunbridge Wells A & B, Sevenoaks A & B and Marden A & B, 13 October 07

Result

All wins apart from one draw

Report

The U12 Boys did brilliantly this weekend in a quadrangular againt Tunbridge Wells A & B, Sevenoaks A & B and Marden A & B. They won against all teams except T'Wells A with whom they drew. First match of the season, so hopefully they'll carry on the way they have started out.

Team

Nathan Barclay, Tom Lennard, James Gander, James King, Nimal de Silva (goalkeeper), Joshua Fettes, Charlie Humphrey, George Auger.