As the SVHC (SV) 1st XI continue their pursuit of back-to-back promotions, this band of merry men found themselves in Orpington for a less than straight-forward fixture against the unpredictable Knole Park (KP) 1st XI who were looking to build confidence after a heavy defeat to Gore Court in the previous weekend fixtures.

After a fairly long journey for the men in red and white and the ominous later push-back, undertones of ‘Stoke away on a cold Tuesday night’ were certainly in the air. Sutton Valence knew this wouldn’t be a simple fixture.

Play begins.

Within the first 15 minutes, nothing much separates the two sides. From KP’s side, play is solely dictated by one player, however, early on, SV manages to find a quick entrance into KP’s D allowing a quick-fire one-on-one effort from none other than Richard Turnill who snapped off a shot, only to be denied by a great save from KP’s keeper. Play continues. Numerous aerial balls from KPs 16 began to create havoc within SV’s own half and 25, leading to a passage of play from the KP right winger who makes an effort to enter the D, is tackled fairly and convincingly by Ali Carter, however the umpire penalises this with a penalty corner, much to the disbelief of most of the players on the field.

PC taken, goal scored bottom right (14 minutes).

Play continues through the first half and despite great counter-attacking and delivery from Ali Carter with great synergy and linkage with Andy Turnill and Alex Stamp, it seemed SV were huffing and puffing but unable to find the back of the net. Frustrated, SV welcomed the half time whistle to regroup.

2nd half begins.

A tactical change from interim Head Coach (Chris Back) sees Tom Millington move into the right side of the midfield ahead of Dan Brooks, with Brooks moving up the field to further load SV’s attack, leaving the defence in the capable hands of Blanchard who’s aerial ball interception was second to none, alongside Whitmore and Lukisch. Doing so, suddenly seemed SV’s tail was well and truly up. Counter-attacks become thick and fast from SV and this time enough to breakthrough KPs clean sheet after a highly slick back and forth from Carter to Stamp to McVarish allowing the man in question (Fred McVarish) to get the ball on to his signature reverse side, rattling off an unstoppable shot which is welcomed by the backboard of the goal. To true fashion as in most decisions that go against KP, this was met by almighty appeals from the KP player who always seems to be in question. The SV captain rushes in, in an attempt to try and ensure these appeals are not granted was deemed as aggressive play by the umpire who yellow cards the SV interim captain, but fortunately ignore the KP appeals. 1-1.

Play continues – and KP were determined to respond quickly and did so with a quick run of play which led to another goal seeing them get back into the lead once more, 2-1.

SVs pursuit of 3 points was made anything but simple after a dangerous tackle coming from over the top of Tom Millington’s left shoulder led to not only a foul against SV, but also a 2-minute sin bin for Millington. Unphased, SV marched on and managed to find a large amount of possession which came in the form of very fast, dangerous counter-attacks form Andy Turnill, Richard Turnill and Alex Stamp and in the 50th minute a fast-paced ball from the right flank of the field split the KP defence allowing a calm, cool and collected Andy Turnill to find the back of the net. 2-2.

With just 6 minutes left on the clock and the hopes of back to back promotions on hold, fortunately for the first time in the game SV were able to take the lead after an incredible effort from Brett Angel who’s first touch within the D was of pinpoint precision, followed by a right feint of the body on to his left side before rocketing the ball into the bottom left-hand corner of the goal.

After much hard work and resilience shown by this SV side they were finally in the lead and able to see the game out taking home a well hard-fought 3 points.

SV host Herne Bay 2s this coming Saturday where they look to continue their march for Invicta 1.

Report by: Dan Brooks

SV 1st XI Squad – Stu Young, Russ Blanchard, Mark Whitmore, Matt Luksich, Dan Brooks (Capt.), Richard Turnill, Fred McVarish, Ali Carter, Tom Millington, Alex Stamp, Andy Turnill, Chris Johnson, Brett Angel – Chris Back (interim coach)

Next Match: Herne Bay 2 (H) 14:15