Match Reports 27 February 2010

Fixture

Cliftonville, 27 February 2010

Result

0 - 6 LOSS ( Wishful thinking... )

Venue

Away

Report

With this top of the table clash, Valence had a real opportunity to send out a message to their fellow promotion chasers that they were deserving of top spot in the league. With a depleted squad and geographical issues from others, it meant that Valence were up against it before the first whistle, so facing a real challenge to get anything out of the game.

A battling first half performance, amidst some rather feisty challenges and spirited interaction with the oppostion gave the team some genuine optimism for the second half, only going in 1-0 down. Perhaps they could get something out of the game? ...

Unfortunately the increased momentum of the Cliftonville attack, dictated preceedings - committed defending from Croucher, Oakley, Parker and Johnson could do little to prevent the five further goals conceeded.

No excuses: Valence were well and truly beaten, but must look to pick themselves up quickly for next weekend's visit of Old Bordenians. A victory is a must... Greater work rate, disciplined passing and a maturity of temperament will be needed if this is to be delivered.

Team

Croucher, Oakley, Parker, Johnson, Mitchel, Willllllson, Morgan, Lee, Devlin, Tragett

MoM

C Johnson
Fixture

Marden, 27 February 2010

Result

2 - 1 WIN ( D Thompson, R Archer )

Venue

Away

Report

As anticipated, the occasion lived up to expectorations and proved to be a fiery affair. Both sides set started well, Marden looking to even up the score having lost the first encounter and SV needing 3 points to ensure their lead at the top of the table. The first quarter saw fast attacks from midfield by SV with Marden countering with successful long balls through to their attack. Each defence held its ground and repelled the chances. After a series of short corners to each side SV turned up the pressure and a shot from Clarkey was deflected by a Marden foot on the line resulting a in a P-flick. Daren Thompson stepped up and put SV in front. Marden let a defensive back pass go off on their own 25 yard line and failed to track back to cover the mistake. Chad Henderson sensing an opportunity to increase the lead took a quick pass to Darren who delivered a pin-point through ball to Rick archer who had read the play and was charging in at the top of the D. the goal keeper had little time to react and could only pick the back out of the goal. Marden responded and upped their game and were awarded with a goal. After much disagreement the scoring player showed great sportsmanship and confirmed that the ball had been in contact with his foot and the decision was turned around. Valance were reduced to 10 after an off ball incident that was not in the nature of the game and SV played deep in to the second half a man down. On his return to the field SV lost shape and conceded a goal. 2-1. Marden continued to press forward looking for an equaliser and in the final seconds were awarded a short corner. With the ominous feeling of a draw about to happen the forwards retreated to the halfway line.

Defence take positions. Attackers ready. Ball dragged out! Stopped at top of D! Smack! on its way to the inside of the near post! Oh #*#*! it's going to be a draw. Out of nowhere Al-berts outstretched toe deflects the ball. It passes the outside edge of the post by no more than 1cm. Final whistle. Thank god! I don't think I could take any more.

This was a tough match played between 2 very competitive local clubs that have enjoyed many years of rivalry. All incidents aside the second half was played in the true sprit of the game and I'm please that Marden players took our hospitality and returned to the Queens for a drink.
Fixture

Wimbledon Baker's Dozen, 27 February 2010

Result

1 - 6 LOSS ( Loaned player )

Venue

Away

Report

Previous games played against Wimbledon were on their superb grass pitches, but because these have been being relaid ready for the cricket season, the game this time was on astro.

With Sutton Valence once more having severe shortages of numbers, the game nearly had to be, embarrassingly, aborted. Fortunately, Wimbledon were able to come up with a bunch of younger South Africans to share out to make about 10 a side.

The first half was rather one sided as Valence recovered from the journey to get there, and late arrival. This meant plently of work for David Barton, Gray Smith-Laing and Dave Britton in goal as the home team rained well organised attacks on the Valence dee. With the ball only occasionally getting out past the halfway line, the Wimbledon defence had it easy. But the strong defence put up by Valence succeeded in limiting the damage to just two goals, and one of these was allowed to trickle in when thought not to have been touched within the dee. Unfortunately it had.

In the second half Valence and their extras managed to get more forward movement into their game, with some useful work from Stuart Bates distributing well up the middle and right as Humphrey, Linaker and Barton linked up more positively, whilst Charles Worsfold kept the left wing option open. Despite going another goal down, Valence quickly reponded when a cross from tLinaker on he right was picked up and despatched by one of the borrowed players.

The game progressed with further good attacking moves from both sides, but Wimbledon had the better finishing, netting three more, whilst Valence, though coming close, could only register three or four near misses.

Team

Britton; Barton; Smith-Laing; Bates; Worsfold; Humphrey; Linaker

MoM

Smith-Laing