Sutton Valence 1st XI secured a well-earned 3-1 victory over Herne Bay in front of a home crowd, but despite the result, they will feel there was room for improvement. With their strongest squad of the season available, Sutton Valence dominated large spells of the match but struggled for structure and consistency.

The game began with high intensity as both sides sought to assert control. Herne Bay took an early lead in the 7th minute, capitalising on a momentary lapse in the Sutton Valence defence. A quick counter-attack left goalkeeper Stewart Young exposed, and despite his best efforts, Herne Bay slotted home from close range.

Undeterred, Sutton Valence pressed forward, with Ali Carter and Fred McVarish dictating play from midfield. Their persistence was rewarded in the 20th minute after a well-worked short corner routine. Andy Turnill’s powerful drag flick struck a Herne Bay defender’s foot on the line, resulting in a penalty stroke. Carter stepped up confidently and dispatched the flick into the top corner to level the score at 1-1.

After the interval, Sutton Valence increased their intensity. Lewis Mitchell and Tom Millington provided energy down the flanks, while Matthew Luksich and Dan Brooks remained solid in defence. The breakthrough came in the 50th minute when Sutton Valence interplay found Andy Turnill in the D. Under pressure from the goalkeeper, Turnill kept his composure to finish clinically and put Sutton Valence ahead.

Herne Bay attempted to respond, but Max Braddick and James Stanford marshalled the backline effectively. The hosts sealed the game in the 65th minute when Turnill struck again, this time from a well-executed short corner routine, rifling the ball into the bottom corner.

The substitutes—Henry Robinson, Dickie Turnill, Russell Blanchard, and Brett Angel—were all introduced to maintain intensity, with Robinson providing a crucial interception late on to deny a Herne Bay counter-attack.

Sutton Valence held firm in the closing stages, securing a deserved win. Man of the Match went to Andy Turnill for his match-winning brace and overall influence on the game.

Team:
Goalkeeper: Stewart Young
Defenders: Matthew Luksich, Max Braddick, Dan Brooks, James Stanford
Midfielders: Lewis Mitchell (C), Fred McVarish, Ali Carter, Tom Millington
Forwards: Alex Stamp, Andy Turnill
Substitutes: Henry Robinson, Dickie Turnill, Russell Blanchard, Brett Angel

Goals: Ali Carter, Andy Turnill x2

Next Match Old Williamsonians (A) 15:00