Tough away fixture for the 3 rd XI
Sutton Valence 3 rd XI travelled away for a late pushback at an icy-cold Folkestone, in the
return fixture of a highly competitive (but injury filled) clash earlier in the season.
Folkestone took an early lead in the game with a well worked goal initiated by a chain of
good passes up the pitch. Sutton Valence tried to fight back but could not break the
defensive line stopping the midfield linking with the attackers. A couple of opportunities
arose, but noting of great substance.
The first half ended with little drama. But after a curse-filled half-time rant by Sutton
Valence’s captain, the team came out raring to go and stepped up their game.
Minutes into the second half Folkestone pulled ahead to 2-0 with a well worked short corner
routine, which sadly, was replicated minutes later to make it 3-0.
By this time, both teams were very much struggling with the low sun, with many stray passes
made to silhouettes, which on most occasions, turned out to be the umpires.
Christian Chadwick was yellowed carded for questioning a decision, which lead to Sutton
Valence having to do a rejiggle of positions for 10 minutes, which proved tricky considering
two of their more experienced players were already off with injuries.
Never ones to give up, Sutton Valence started to pull of some champagne hockey including
aerials, skilful turns and the age old “smash it up the pitch and see what happens” approach.
Youth players Dominic Powell, Henry Powell, Archer Ripley and Ryan Page put in valiant
efforts to break through the defence.
Eventually Sutton Valence managed to pull one back when captain Rob Cockayne made a
break-through the defence for a one-on-one with the keeper, to secure the goal with a
nutmeg.
Folkestone managed to score a fourth in the last few minutes of the game with a nice
reverse stick finish.
Final whistle, 4-1 to Folkestone.

Report by: Rob Cockayne

Teamsheet:
Rob Cockayne
Bob Sagrott
John Edmed
Christian Chadwick
Andy McVarish
David Turner
Rod Harcourt
Alex Stanford
Ryan Page
Archer Ripley
Henry Powell
Dominic Powell
Stuart Edmed
Adrian Gander

Goals:
Rob Cockayne

Next Match: Blackheath & Elthamians (H) 14:00