Clean sweep of wins makes it a perfect start
Sutton Valence
Sutton Valence enjoyed a perfect start to the new season with every team winning last Saturday. Goals from Lewis Mitchell, Ricky O’Neill and Kevin Kirkham saw the 1sts win 3-2 at Canterbury Pilgrims in Kent/ Sussex Regional 2. The 2nds came from behind to beat Sevenoaks Shadows 4-3 in Kent Open Premier A. Valence equalised when an impressive passage of play saw Brett Angel set up Ryan Robinson to rifle home. Sevenoaks regained the lead but Valence were level by half-time when Richard Turnill set up skipper Andy Lee to score from a penalty corner. Valence’s superior fitness showed in the second half and Robinson scored his second to put them ahead. The visitors levelled to make it 3-3 but Valence had the last laugh at the end when Eoin Robinson and Turnill combined to set up Chris Bailey for the winner. Team: Stewart Young, Russell Blanchard, Steve Parker, Richard Turnill, Chris Bailey, Eoin Robinson, Andrew Lee, Tim Wilcher, Johnny Walker, Brett Angel, Ryan Robinson. The 3rds ran out 5-2 winners in Kent Division 1 at Deal 3rds. Early Deal pressure saw the hosts ahead but Valence replied immediately through Mark Whitmill. Deal regained the lead but Valence were level when man-of-the-match Tom Bartlett turned the ball inside the post from a Chris Sheldon short corner. Just before half-time, Bartlett scored once again to put Valence ahead for the first time. In the second half Valence were on the backfoot as Deal looked dangerous, but without a cutting edge. Alex Hodges broke down the right wing and beat three players before scoring the fourth goal and he struck again two minutes later to make it 5-2. Play was then suspended as torrential rain left the pitch waterlogged. But, as the weather brightened up, the water drained away and Valence were able to see out the last 10 minutes without any alarm. Team: Rob Sharp, Mark Whitmill, Ben Tragett, Alex Hodges, John Edmed, Chris Sheldon, Tom Bartlett, Rob Ife, Rob Cockayne. The Vets won 4-3 against Tunbridge Wells thanks to goals from Nigel Bardsley (2), Lyndon Davies and Alex Stanford. Team: Dave Britton, Mike Nettle, Paul Linaker, Andy McVarish, Bob Sagrott, Julian Mills, Hamish Dow, Lyndon Davies, Nigel Bardsley, Henry Humphrey, Alex Stanford. The 4ths thrashed Ashford 6ths 7-1 in their friendly clash. Valence were 5- 0 ahead in the first half with goals from Rob Harrison (2), Alex Sandberg (2) and Duncan Field. Harrison completed his hat-trick and Andrew Wishart also scored.