Sutton Valence 3 rd XI were disappointed to eek out a draw this weekend against Holcombe
Hurricanes in Rochester.
Sutton Valence started the game positively, making a number of attacking moves, many of
which were saved by a young, but very composed, Holcombe keeper. Both teams were
evenly matched, however Sutton Valence managed to pull ahead with a nicely struck shot
from the top of the D by Andrew Lee, which flew past a number of defenders into the far
bottom corner of the goal.
Rod Harcourt soon made it two-nil, with a similar strike from the top of the D, which was
shielded from the keeper’s view by several defenders and attackers in his line of sight.
Sutton Valence knew Holcombe were not going to take the result lying down, so secured a
three-goal lead in the second half when Rob Cockayne managed to half-volley in a lose ball
in the D.
Then, things started to fall apart. Cullen Elson has forced off with a calf injury, and brick-wall
central defender Stuart Edmed had to retire to the dugout with a broken nail, which lead to
some reposition changes/challenges. Holcombe stole back a goal from a short corner, the
shot of which was deflected off a defender’s stick, past an already logged keeper.
Holcombe battled and pulled back two further goals late in the game, to bring the result to 3-
3.
Good performances all round, but plenty to work on at training prior to next weeks game
against Folkestone.
Team sheet:
Rob Cockayne
Ryan Page
William Vanns
Bob Bartlett
Alex Stanford
Stuart Edmed
Cullen Elson
Mike Nettle
Julian Mills
David Turner
Darren Thompson
Rod Harcourt
Andrew Lee

Goals:
Andrew Lee
Rod Harcourt
Rob Cockayne

Report By: Rob Cockayne
Next Match: Folkestone Optimist 6 (H) 09:45