This was breathtaking stuff and it was hard to tell what was actually moving faster - the game or the wind - such was the speed of the action on view. It was almost tiring simply watching, although it was probably a case of genuine fatigue for some of the younger development players on view who were constantly buffeted to an unimaginable degree by Imogen, the latest storm to work its way over the Atlantic in this most blustery of winters. Navigation is never easy in a gale-force wind, and so it proved for the visiting Sutton Valence squad whose respective car satnavs actually sent them to three separate destinations, only one of which was the actual astroturf pitch at Blackheath High School. The five shivering players in yellow at the official start time understandably looked a lot happier when the pushback eventually took place with a full complement some 40 minutes later.

From the first whistle it was end to end stuff with the foot to the floor as far as the Dynamos were concerned. Committing everything to attack at high speed, the home team pressed Sutton Valence back into their own defensive third with wave after wave of attacks, with Josh Clark and James Elliott prominent in many of the good moves, although it was Lewys “Milky” Taylor who particularly caught the eye with some incisive forays at speed into the opposition half. The slightly gung-ho approach, whilst great for the spectators, doubtless gave the match-day coach Ravi Wickramasuriya a few queasy moments, as Sutton Valence had literally acres of space in the remaining two-thirds of the pitch to launch counter-attacks on the breakdown. Any potential nervous breakdowns were, however, squashed at source in the opening 35 minutes as the ever-diligent David Leverton endeavoured to plug the gaps in midfield, whilst the watchful Mark Farrant swept up admirably at the back as the defence kept a generally strong shape throughout.

Three first-half goals followed in reasonably quick succession thanks to a brace from Lewys Taylor and another smart finish from James Elliott. The pick of the three was the result of some great interplay with Charlie Nelson in the Sutton Valence D, but the half-time score was no more than the hosts deserved for their enterprising display.

The second half followed the rather familiar pattern of many Dynamos’ games this season with a combination of “more of the same” (in terms of territory and intent), but also less precision and discipline (in terms of finishing and game management). That more goals were not scored was purely down to some sloppy passing and tired legs, as the play became more and more stretched and the home team failed to keep possession better. Sutton Valence were eventually rewarded for their efforts when the ball found the top right-hand corner of the net despite keeper Tom Conway’s valiant efforts to palm it away. It could all have got a little too “interesting” as the visitors had the ball in the net again shortly afterwards, but play was brought back for an earlier offence spotted the umpires, fortunately for the Dynamos, who played out the last couple of minutes for a deserved 3-1 win.

The Division 4 table now makes highly thought-provoking reading too, as the Dynamos could theoretically spring from mid-table obscurity to top spot if they win their games in hand, so tight is the position due to the relative inconsistency of the teams involved. Following Saturday’s win, the team’s fifth on the trot, they also leap-frogged Sutton Valence – extremely sporting, pleasant and competitive opposition - into fourth position on goal-difference.

Significant too to the team’s progress and future prospects is the fact that c. 78-year-old “development” protégé Tony D’Cruz, resplendent in his unique red and blue shirt, is clearly not thinking about retirement any time soon, as he was even making enquiries about purchasing a pair of the new AKUMA Club socks. It is only to be hoped that they do not end up making a nice 80th birthday present!

Team:
Tom Conway (GK), Josh Clark, James Elliott, Sam Hannon, Tony D'Cruz, David Leverton, Mark Farrant, Ben Eve, Dan Ridge, Tim Walters, Stephen Gilbert, Charlie Nelson and Lewys Taylor.

Man-of-the-match:
Lewys Taylor - a great all-round, all-action contribution and a leader all over the pitch.

Umpires:
Richard Cleall and Andy Moore – both very good in a fast-paced game played in an excellent spirit.