Valence get back on track

Sutton Valence

Sutton Valence 1sts put back-to-back defeats behind them with a 3-1 win at Gore Court in Kent Area Division 2 on Saturday.

They led when Andy Turnill’s pass from the right found Kevin Kirkham, who beat two defenders and scored from the edge of the D. Valence continued to attack with centre-back Ryan Robinson running the length of the pitch, but Court levelled on the break.

The game opened up in the second half but there was a hint of fortune about Valence’s second as Lewis Mitchell’s aggressive pass ended up hitting the backboard after he broke into the D.

Brave defensive work denied Court a second equaliser, including some timely tackles from man-of-thematch Russell Blanchard. Play moved back up the other end where Kirkham flicked the ball over the keeper to seal a welldeserved victory.

Sutton Valence 3rds remain unbeaten in Kent Division 3 following a 3-1 win at Holcombe 6ths – producing some of their best passing hockey in many years. Valence pinned their opponents back but some dogged defending prevented them breaking the deadlock. They finally took the lead late in the first half when a miscontrolled short corner led to a melee in the D and a goal for Rob Cockayne. Valence dominated secondhalf possession with some excellent moves all over the pitch, exploiting space left by a tiring opposition.

The visitors conceded a soft goal but Marius Dreyer provided two good finishes. Sutton Valence veterans lost 10-1 to Purley in the Southern Counties Conference.

They travelled with only eight players, with Purley making up the numbers. It was one of the loaned players, Robbie Parlett, who pulled a goal back for Valence, having trailed 4-0 after 14 minutes.

The teams looked betterbalanced for the rest of the half and the score remained unchanged at the break. Valence lost a player to injury in the second half and tired in the last 25 minutes as Purley pulled clear.

Mike Nettle was named man-of-the-match.

Maidstone ladies’ 1sts bounced back from their 5-0 defeat at Harleston by beating Dereham at Armstrong Road on Saturday.

They started well, winning a penalty corner within 30 seconds, and while that came to nothing, the forward line of Emily Bush, Claire Weddle, Lesley Price and Laura Jurgeleit continued to apply pressure.

That led to an outstanding goal by player-of-the-match Lizzie McClintock, followed by a clinical finish from Bush at the back post after an important touch by Emily Worsford.

Maidstone’s defensive line-up of Grace