Valley lose unbeaten home record

For the 6th game in a row [out of 6 this season] Valley fielded a changed line-up. This weeks line-up included Colin up front, Postie returned from foreign travels and Bjorn redeployed into the right back spot.

Valleys early chances were few and none were easy. The closest being some early shooting from the edge of the D from Colin that went wide without really troubling the keeper.

Captains battle it out in midfield

Sanderstead had their fair share of possession and were passing the ball about nicely. The play was from end-to-end but Valley were losing the midfield battle with little support from the forwards coming short.

Despite this Valley still pressed on. Following a short corner the ball fell to Postie who played the ball out wide to Kevin who cut in from the left driving past the defender. Just as he was about to pass the ball back to a waiting Colin, he lost his footing and the chance was gone.

Just before the end of the first half Valley were caught cold. A quick counter-attack saw the defence outnumbered and despite claims of the ball hitting the opposition's foot, the ball ended in the back of the net with the goal given.

Valley get consolation goal!

Valley started the second half buoyed up by a stirring half-time talk from Bidds. Bidds made a few tactical changes and made use of the subs. This resulted in Valley playing further up the field, but the final ball was lacking. On another counter attack Chipfat had to save smartly. From the resulting long corner, Sanderstead bagged another and looked comfortable with the 2 goal cushion.

Not giving up, Valley tried to play their way out of trouble and won themselves a lifeline. John cleared the ball up to JC who turned the defender and raced down the wing and into the D. Delaying just enough to draw the keeper and the covering fullback, he slipped the ball back to a waiting Kevin on the P spot. Kevin scuffed his shot goalwards where Colin was waiting to make sure of the goal.

Santa's helper gets lost on way to North Pole

Valley then went all out to get an equaliser. Despite some sustained pressure the Sanderstead defence stayed firm to claim their deserved victory.

Valley trudged off for a consolation drink and to give Santa's helper their Christmas lists.

Thanks to Gerry for Umpiring and Jane for her photographic skills.

[Ed: Thanks to JC for the match report ]